Complex dynamic behavior of fluctuating smectic- A films as studied by scattering with coherent X-rays

Coherent dynamic x-ray scattering has been used to study the thermally excited layer fluctuations in freely suspended smectic films of the compound 4O.8. Using 8-keV x rays and films with a thickness around 0.3 &mgr;m we resolve relaxation times down to a few &mgr;s. A combination of damped and oscillatory behavior is observed for the layer undulations, which can be attributed to inertial effects. These are due to the surface contribution to the free energy which cannot be disregarded for thin films.     

Gas chromatographic profiles of plasma total lipids as indicators of dietary history. Correlation with carbohydrate and alcohol intake based on 24-h dietary recall.

Quantitative gas chromatographic estimates of the major lipid classes and molecular species in fasting plasma were correlated with total carbohydrate, starch, fibre, sucrose and alcohol intake based on 24-h dietary recall. Spearman coefficients (rs) and tests of significance (P) were obtained for groups of 775 males and 471 females aged 20-59 years from a Toronto-McMaster Lipid Research Clinics Population Study. The most significant correlations varying from rs 0.1 to 0.2 and P 0.001 to 0.0005 (n = 400-773) were between increased intake of alcohol and increased ratios of C50/C54 triacylglycerols, C34/C36 phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylcholine/free cholesterol (PC/FC) of plasma. Increase in total dietary carbohydrate, starch and fibre correlated with decreasing C50/C54 triacylglycerol, C34/C36 phosphatidylcholine and PC/FC ratios (rs = -0.1-0.2; P less than 0.002-0.04; n = 400-773). In contrast, consumption of high levels of alcohol was associated with increasing C50/C54 triacylglycerol, C34/C36 phosphatidylcholine and PC/FC ratios. A high intake of alcohol (50-150 ml per day) distinguished itself from other simple carbohydrate-induced lipid profiles by its marked effect on increased C50/C52 triacylglycerol and PC/FC ratio.     

Reactions of carbon monosulphide. An experimental kinetic technique and a study of the reaction of CS with O2

A flow-tube technique has been developed for studying the kinetics of elementary reactions of gaseous monomeric CS. Carbon monosulphide is generated by means of a low-power electrodeless discharge in a dilute CS₂/Ar stream, to which reactive gases may be added through a moveable injector. Detection of CS at pressures of less than 2 × 10^?4 torr is achieved using multi-path ultraviolet absorption. The reaction of CS with O₂ has been shown to be very slow in the temperature range 300 K to 670 K.     

Interaction potentials and transport properties of coinage metal cations in rare gases

High-level ab initio calculations are performed on the coinage metal cations (Cu+, Ag+, and Au+) interacting with each of the rare gases [Rg (Rg=He to Rn)]. The RCCSD(T) procedure is employed, with basis sets being of approximately quintuple-zeta quality, but with the heavier species using relativistic effective core potentials. The interaction potentials are compared to experimental and theoretical data where they exist. In addition, transport coefficients for the mobility and diffusion of the cations in the rare gases are calculated. The latter have involved a rewriting of some of the programs used, and the required modifications are discussed. The mobility results indicate that, rather than being a rare occurrence, mobility minima may be common phenomena. Finally, a new estimate is put forward for the validity of zero-field mobilities in ion mobility spectrometry.     

Reinvestigation of the electronic spectroscopy of the Au-Ar complex

The Au-Ar complex is reinvestigated employing resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization spectroscopy. Spectra are reported, corresponding to the atomic transition Au(6p<--6s). This electronic excitation yields (2)Pi and (2)Sigma(+) states of Au-Ar, which interact under the influence of spin-orbit coupling. The spectra are consistent with strong sigma-pi mixing induced by the large spin-orbit coupling of Au, leading to strong interaction of the two Omega=12 states, which arise from the Ar((1)S(0))+Au((2)P(12,32)) asymptotes, and the consequent formation of a "shelf" on the outer wall of the lowest Omega=12 state. In addition, high-level ab initio calculations are reported on the ground electronic state, X (2)Sigma(+), including extrapolation to the basis set limit.     

Growth of aerobic bacteria on alkali- solubilized lignite

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology -     

Novel cyano-containing copolymers of vinyl esters for piezoelectric materials

The synthesis of a series of novel cyano-containing copolymers is described. Alternating copolymers of acrylonitrile with vinyl esters are obtained by increasing the electrophilic character of the nitrile monomers by complexation with zinc chloride. Copolymers of methyl and ethyl α-cyanoacrylates with vinyl esters are prepared using radical initiators in the presence of 7% acetic acid as inhibitor for anionic polymerization. The copolymers of methyl α-cyanoacrylate with the vinyl esters have T_g's above 140°C. Methyl vinylidene cyanide (MVCN) copolymerizes spontaneously with para-substituted styrenes to yield copolymers with high inherent viscosities and high T_g (160°C) and the copolymer of MVCN with vinyl acetate is also synthesized. The pyroelectric constants p for these polymers were measured and the values of p for the copolymers of vinyl acetate with methyl β,β-dicyanoacrylate, methyl α-cyanoacrylate, or MVCN were in the same range as the well-studied vinylidene cyanide/vinyl acetate copolymer. A higher concentration of dipoles generally results in higher T_g's and higher pyroelectric coefficients. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.