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The structural evolution of surface gratings on a glassy material is investigated by means of molecular simulations. The gratings provide a means to probe surface diffusion in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature. A theory by Mullins [J. Appl. Phys. 30, 77 (1959)] is used to extract qu-antitative measures of surface diffusivity that rely on calculation of grating amplitude as a function of time. The simulations are implemented in the context of a model binary glass mixture [S. S. Ashwin and S. Sastry, J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 15, S1253 (2003)]. We find that surface diffusion is faster than bulk diffusion by several orders of magnitude, consistent with recent experimental data for an organic glass former. The diffusivities extracted by the grating-decay approach are consistent with those estimated on the basis of mean-squared particle displacements. The grating-decay approach, however, is more efficient than traditional techniques based on Einstein's diffusion equation. Grating decay is also more versatile and is shown to be applicable in a variety of sample geometries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a coarse grain representation for Gaussian chains in the presence of hard surfaces. Whereas a Gaussian chain in the bulk can be represented by a bead-spring model with a quadratic potential between adjacent beads, the presence of a surface reduces the number of allowed chain configurations and modifies the effective potential between the beads. We derive the corrected potentials for several surface geometries: a single wall, two parallel walls (slit), and a spherical or cylindrical object (nanoparticle). Those potentials can be used in any model that includes a Gaussian chain, regardless of the simulation method. As an illustration, we consider a coarse grain model of a polymeric melt and, using Monte Carlo simulations, we compute the density profiles for (i) a melt confined in a slit and (ii) a melt in the vicinity of a nanoparticle. The case of a polymeric solution confined within a slit is also addressed, and the proposed approach is shown to yield results in qualitative agreement with those obtained with field-theoretic simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of experimental evidence indicates that the interaction between amyloid β peptide and lipid bilayer membranes plays an important role in the development of Alzheimer disease. Recent experimental evidence also suggests that trehalose, a simple disaccharide, reduces the toxicity of amyloid β peptide. Molecular simulations are used to examine the effect of trehalose on the conformational stability of amyloid β peptide in aqueous solution and its effect on the interaction between amyloid β peptide and a model phospholipid bilayer membrane. It is found that, in aqueous solution, the peptide exhibits a random coil conformation but, in the presence of trehalose, it adopts an alpha helical conformation. It is then shown that the insertion of amyloid β peptide into a membrane is more favorable when the peptide is folded into an α-helix than in a random coil conformation, thereby suggesting that trehalose promotes the insertion of α-helical amyloid β into biological membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long polyglutamine chains have been associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases. These include Huntington’s disease, where expanded polyglutamine (PolyQ) sequences longer than 36 residues are correlated with the onset of symptoms. In this paper we study the folding pathway of a 54-residue PolyQ chain into a β-helical structure. Transition path sampling Monte Carlo simulations are used to generate unbiased reactive pathways between unfolded configurations and the folded β-helical structure of the polyglutamine chain. The folding process is examined in both explicit water and an implicit solvent. Both models reveal that the formation of a few critical contacts is necessary and sufficient for the molecule to fold. Once the primary contacts are formed, the fate of the protein is sealed and it is largely committed to fold. We find that, consistent with emerging hypotheses about PolyQ aggregation, a stable β-helical structure could serve as the nucleus for subsequent polymerization of amyloid fibrils. Our results indicate that PolyQ sequences shorter than 36 residues cannot form that nucleus, and it is also shown that specific mutations inferred from an analysis of the simulated folding pathway exacerbate its stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The free energy surfaces of a wide variety of systems encountered in physics, chemistry, and biology are characterized by the existence of deep minima separated by numerous barriers. One of the central aims of recent research in computational chemistry and physics has been to determine how transitions occur between deep local minima on rugged free energy landscapes, and transition path sampling (TPS) Monte-Carlo methods have emerged as an effective means for numerical investigation of such transitions. Many of the shortcomings of TPS-like approaches generally stem from their high computational demands. Two new algorithms are presented in this work that improve the efficiency of TPS simulations. The first algorithm uses biased shooting moves to render the sampling of reactive trajectories more efficient. The second algorithm is shown to substantially improve the accuracy of the transition state ensemble by introducing a subset of local transition path simulations in the transition state. The system considered in this work consists of a two-dimensional rough energy surface that is representative of numerous systems encountered in applications. When taken together, these algorithms provide gains in efficiency of over two orders of magnitude when compared to traditional TPS simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Monte Carlo simulation method is presented for simulation of phase transitions, with emphasis on the study of crystallization. The method relies on a random walk in order parameter [uppercase_phi_synonym](qN) space to calculate a free energy profile between the two coexisting phases. The energy and volume data generated over the course of the simulation are subsequently reweighed to identify the precise conditions for phase coexistence. The usefulness of the method is demonstrated in the context of crystallization of a purely repulsive Lennard-Jones system. A systematic analysis of precritical and critical nuclei as a function of supercooling reveals a gradual change from a bcc to a fcc structure inside the crystalline nucleus as it grows at large degrees of supercooling. The method is generally applicable and is expected to find applications in systems for which two or more coexisting phases can be distinguished through one or more order parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a new algorithm is presented that improves the efficiency of Wang and Landau algorithm or density of states (DOS) Monte Carlo simulations by employing rejected states. The algorithm is shown to have a performance superior to that of the original Wang-Landau [F. Wang and D. P. Landau, Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 2050 (2001)] algorithm and the more recent configurational temperature DOS algorithm. The performance of the method is illustrated in the context of results for the Lennard-Jones fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expanded ensemble density-of-states simulations and a connectivity altering algorithm are used to investigate the effective interactions that arise between nanoparticles suspended in polymer solutions. Our calculations with systems of long polymeric chains reveal oscillations in the effective polymer-induced interactions between the particles, even at low concentrations. The range of these interactions is considerably longer than originally anticipated, and their origin is traced back to the chain-end effects and density fluctuations that were absent in previous treatments of these systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the response of a nematic liquid-crystal film, confined between parallel walls, to the presence of nanoscopic particles adsorbed at the walls. This is done for a variety of patterns of adsorption (random and periodic) and operational conditions of the system that can be controlled in experimental liquid-crystal-based devices. We compute simulated optical textures and the total optical output of the sensor between crossed polars, as well as the correlation function for the liquid-crystal tensor order parameter; we use these observables to discuss the gradual destruction of the original uniform orientation. For large concentrations of particles adsorbed in random patterns, the liquid crystal at the center of the sensor adopts a multidomain state, characterized by a small correlation length of the tensor order parameter, and also by a loss of optical anisotropy under observation through crossed polars. In contrast, for particles adsorbed in periodic patterns, the nematic at the center of the cell can remain in a monodomain orientation state, provided the patterns in opposite walls are synchronized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent experiments indicate that liquid crystals can be used to optically report the presence of biomolecules adsorbed at solid surfaces. In this work, numerical simulations are used to investigate the effects of biological molecules, modeled as spherical particles, on the structure and dynamics of nematic ordering. In the absence of adsorbed particles, a nematic in contact with a substrate adopts a uniform orientational order, imposed by the boundary conditions at this surface. It is found that the relaxation to this uniform state is slowed down by the presence of a small number of adsorbed particles. However, beyond a critical concentration of adsorbed particles, the liquid crystal ceases to exhibit uniform orientational order at long times. At this concentration, the domain growth is characterized by a first regime where the average nematic domain size LD obeys the scaling law LD(t)∼t1/2; at long times, a slow dynamics regime is attained for which LD tends to a finite value corresponding to a metastable state with a disordered texture. The results of simulations are consistent with experimental observations.© 2005 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model was developed for predicting the collapse behavior of photoresist structures due to the drying of rinse liquids during wet chemical processing. The magnitude of the capillary forces was estimated using the classical thermodynamics of surface tension, and the deformation of the structure was modeled using beam bending mechanics that accounts for both elastic and plastic modes of deformation. The two-dimensional model can predict the critical beam height of collapse as a function of the wetting behavior of the rinse liquid on the beam, the elastic and plastic mechanical properties of the polymeric photoresist, and the beam dimensions. Collapse behavior was predicted for polymer nanostructures with elastoplastic mechanical properties similar to those of bulk poly(methyl methacrylate). We have compared the collapse predictions from our model with the results of models that account only for elastic or plastic deformation behavior. Regimes in the elastic-plastic mechanical property space for which it is necessary to use the developed beam bending model have been highlighted. It is shown that in some cases the inclusion of both elastic and plastic mechanical properties is necessary for modeling the collapse behavior of polymer beams fabricated using the lithographic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of polymers in the vicinity of spherical colloids is investigated by Monte Carlo simulations and integral equation theory. Polymers are represented by a simple bead-spring model; only repulsive Lennard-Jones interactions are taken into account Using advanced trial moves that alter chain connectivity, depletion and packing effects are analyzed as a function of chain length and density, both at the bond and the chain level. Chain ends segregate to the colloidal surface and polymer bonds orient parallel to it. In the dilute regime, the polymer chain length governs the range of depletion and has a negligible influence on monomer packing in dense polymer melts. Polymers adopt an ellipsoidal shape, with the larger axis parallel to the surface of the particle, as they approach larger colloids. The dimensions are perturbed within the range of the depletion layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydration of Na-saturated Wyoming-type montmorillonite is investigated by Monte Carlo simulations at constant stress in the NP[sub zz]T ensemble and at constant chemical potential in the μVT ensemble, at the sedimentary basin temperature of 353 K and pressure of 625 bar, equivalent to 2–4 km depth. The simulations use procedures established in Chávez-Páez et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 114, 1405 (2001)]. At these conditions, simulations predict a single stable form of 1,2-water layer Na–montmorillonite, containing 164.38 mg/g or 53.37 molecules/layer of adsorbed water and having a spacing of 12.72 Å. The corresponding density is 0.32 g/ml. Sodium ions are coordinated with six molecules of water separated 2.30–2.33 Å. Water molecules are closer to the central interlayer plane and the spacing is larger than that at 300 K and 1 bar. The interlayer configuration consists of two symmetrical layers of oriented water molecules 1.038 Å from the central plane, with the hydrogen atoms in two outermost layers, 3.826 Å apart, and the sodium ions on the central plane located between the water layers. The interlayer configuration can be considered to be a stable two-layer intermediate between the one- and two-layer hydrates. Our simulations do not predict formation of other hydrates of Na–montmorillonite at 353 K and 615 bar. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monte Carlo simulations and dynamic field theory are used to study spherical particles suspended in a nematic liquid crystal. Within these two approaches, we investigate the binding of the defects to the particles, the adsorption of a particle at a solid surface, and two particles interacting with each other. Quantitative comparisons indicate good agreement between the two approaches. A Monte Carlo method based on the combination of canonical expanded ensemble simulations with a density-of-state formalism is used to determine the potential of mean force between one particle and a hard wall. On the other hand, the potential of mean force is evaluated using a dynamic field theory, where the time-dependent evolution of the second rank tensor includes two major aspects of liquid crystalline materials, namely the excluded volume and the long-range order elasticity. The results indicate an effective repulsive force that acts between the particle and the wall. Layer formation at the surface of the hard wall gives rise to local minima in the potential of mean force. The director profile for a particle at contact with a solid surface is characterized by a disclination line distorted and attracted towards the wall. The structure of the nematic for two particles at short distances is also investigated. Our results indicate a structure where the two particles are separated by a circular disclination line. The potential of mean force associated with this configuration indicates an effective attractive interaction between the two particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the kinematics and rheological properties of undiluted polymers by modeling the fluids as a collection of interacting Kramers freely jointed bead–rod chains with anisotropic friction using Brownian dynamics simulations. The anisotropic friction depends on the instantaneous configuration of the system. The resulting stochastic differential equations have multiplicative noise. The correlation of the ‘‘Langevin’’ Brownian forces appearing in these equations turns out to be anisotropic as well. The excluded volume effect, often ignored in kinetic theory, plays an important role in the behavior of short polymer chains. The chain kinematics may be distorted in its absence. In this work, we also discuss the effects of two types of excluded volume (EV) forces (hard-sphere and soft-repulsive forces) on rheological properties of concentrated polymer solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work a novel Monte Carlo method is developed to simulate the equilibrium thermodynamic properties of strongly associating fluids. The highly anisotropic nature of intermolecular interactions in these fluids makes conventional simulation techniques of little use. By introducing biased sampling techniques we are able to explore configuration space efficiently, thereby obtaining reliable estimates for the thermodynamic properties, including phase equilibria, of model systems. The results of our simulations are used to assess the accuracy and validity of various theories for associating fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological applications of liquid crystals have generally relied on control of molecular orientation at a surface or an interface. Such control has been achieved through topography, chemistry and the adsorption of monolayers or surfactants. The role of the substrate or interface has been to impart order over visible length scales and to confine the liquid crystal in a device. Here, we report results from a computational study of a liquid-crystal-based system in which the opposite is true: the liquid crystal is used to impart order on the interfacial arrangement of a surfactant. Recent experiments on macroscopic interfaces have hinted that an interfacial coupling between bulk liquid crystal and surfactant can lead to a two-dimensional phase separation of the surfactant at the interface, but have not had the resolution to measure the structure of the resulting phases. To enhance that coupling, we consider the limit of nanodroplets, the interfaces of which are decorated with surfactant molecules that promote local perpendicular orientation of mesogens within the droplet. In the absence of surfactant, mesogens at the interface are all parallel to that interface. As the droplet is cooled, the mesogens undergo a transition from a disordered (isotropic) to an ordered (nematic or smectic) liquid-crystal phase. As this happens, mesogens within the droplet cause a transition of the surfactant at the interface, which forms new ordered nanophases with morphologies dependent on surfactant concentration. Such nanophases are reminiscent of those encountered in block copolymers, and include circular, striped and worm-like patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assembly of lamella-forming block copolymer blend thin films on chemically nanopatterned striped surfaces was monitored in real time with small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) in transmission mode. The strongest diffraction from the assembled grating structure was detected after 4.5 min of annealing as the temperature was ramped from 100 to 240 °C at a rate of about 20 °C/min. Real-space images were also obtained from samples annealed for specific times using top-down scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and this identified structures formed during annealing that are unique to the block copolymer blends. The data are compared to previously reported SEM and molecular simulation studies with pure block copolymers. Because it can be used in real time and probes the entire film thickness, transmission SAXS proved to be a useful tool for better understanding the block copolymer annealing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) biology now offer an alternative cell source for tissue engineers, as these cells are capable of proliferating indefinitely and differentiating to many clinically relevant cell types. Novel culture methods capable of exerting spatial and temporal control over the stem cell microenvironment allow for more efficient expansion of hESCs, and significant advances have been made toward improving our understanding of the biophysical and biochemical cues that direct stem cell fate choices. Effective production of lineage specific progenitors or terminally differentiated cells enables researchers to incorporate hESC derivatives into engineered tissue constructs. Here, we describe current efforts using hESCs as a cell source for tissue engineering applications, highlighting potential advantages of hESCs over current practices as well as challenges which must be overcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monte Carlo simulations have been used to predict the interlayer basal separations of sodium-saturated Wyoming clays at constant stress (NP[sub zz]T ensemble) and at constant chemical potential (μVT ensemble). These simulations use the Ewald summation technique to incorporate long-range Coulombic interactions in the calculation of the total potential energy and the pressure tensor. A comparison is made between the use of one, two, and three sheets of clay. It is shown that, for small separations, at least two separate clay sheets must be used to avoid system-size effects. The stable interlamellar separations are determined by combining results from isostress-isothermal and grand canonical simulations. It is shown that, consistent with experiments, at the temperature and pressure studied here, the cations in the interlayer are hydrated, except at the smallest basal separations. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have performed Monte Carlo simulations of a three-dimensional quenched-annealed system on a cubic lattice with nearest-neighbor interactions. A small fraction of the lattices sites are blocked, thereby creating a quenched matrix. Histogram reweighting techniques are applied to investigate the critical behavior of the system. We have studied lattice sizes ranging from L=10 to L=18. For each size, we have evaluated the number of matrix replicas necessary to obtain statistically meaningful results. This number, determined by analyzing the convergence of the histograms, ranged from 50 for the smallest system sizes to 200 for the largest sizes. We have evaluated the critical temperature, the fourth cumulant of Binder et al. [K. K. Kaski, K. Binder, and J. D. Gunton, Phys. Rev. B 29, 3996 (1984)], and the critical exponents 1/ν and β/ν. The estimated critical temperature is only slightly lower than that of the three-dimensional Ising model. The simulated critical exponents, however, differ significantly from those for Ising-class three- and two-dimensional systems. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]