Weak logarithmic Sobolev inequalities and entropic convergence

In this paper we introduce and study a weakened form of logarithmic Sobolev inequalities in connection with various others functional inequalities (weak Poincaré inequalities, general Beckner inequalities, etc.). We also discuss the quantitative behaviour of relative entropy along a symmetric diffusion semi-group. In particular, we exhibit an example where Poincaré inequality can not be used for deriving entropic convergence whence weak logarithmic Sobolev inequality ensures the result.      

Etude Experimentale et Modelisation des Equilibres Solide—Liquide du Systeme Binaire H2O—UO2(NO3)2

The binary system H₂O—UO₂(NO₃)₂ was studied by solubility measurements and constant heat flow thermal analysis. Temperature and composition of the eutectic transformation between ice and uranyl nitrate hexahydrate were accurately defined. A new hydrate with 24 molecules of water decomposes at –21°C according to the peritectoid reaction<UO₂(NO₃)₂·24H₂O> <UO₂(NO₃)₂·6H₂O> + 18<H₂O>The quasi-ideal model was applied to the solid—liquid equilibria, using the following reaction hypothesis:((UO ₂ ²⁺ )) + 2((NO ₃ ^– ))+ h((H₂O)) ((UO₂OH⁺aq)) + ((H₃O⁺aq + 2((NO ₃ ^– aq))A complete calculation of the binary system was carried out with a global ionic hydration number h equal to 9 in the aqueous solutions. It allowed to the melting enthalpies of uranyl nitrate hydrates.

This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Byte structure variable length coding (BS-VLC): a new specific algorithm applied in the compression of trajectories generated by molecular dynamics

Molecular dynamics is a well-known technique very much used in the study of biomolecular systems. The trajectory files produced by molecular dynamics simulations are extensive, and the classical lossless algorithms give poor efficiencies in their compression. In this work, a new specific algorithm, named byte structure variable length coding (BS-VLC), is introduced. Trajectory files, obtained by molecular dynamics applied to trypsin and a trypsin:pancreatic trypsin inhibitor complex, were compressed using four classical lossless algorithms (Huffman, adaptive Huffman, LZW, and LZ77) as well as the BS-VLC algorithm. The results obtained show that BS-VLC nearly triplicates the compression efficiency of the best classical lossless algorithm, preserving a near lossless behavior. Compression efficiencies close to 50% can be obtained with a high degree of precision, and the maximum efficiency possible (75%), within this algorithm, can be performed with good precision.     

Biomimetic versus enzymatic high-potential electrocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide on a functionalized carbon nanotube electrode

We report the non-covalent functionalization of a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrode with a biomimetic model of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) active site. By modifying the MWCNT electrode surface with imidazole-modified polypyrrole, a new biomimetic complex of HRP was synthesized on the MWCNT sidewalls via the coordination of imidazole (Im) to the metal centre of iron protoporphyrin IX, affording (Im)(PP)Fe^III. Compared to the pi-stacking of non-coordinated (PP)Fe^III on a MWCNT electrode, the (Im)(PP)Fe^III-modified MWCNT electrode exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity with an I _max = 0.52 mA cm^–2 for the reduction of H₂O₂, accompanied by a high onset potential of 0.43 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The performances of these novel surface-confined HRP mimics were compared to those of a MWCNT electrode modified by HRP. Although the enzyme electrode displays a higher electrocatalytic activity towards H₂O₂ reduction, the (Im)(PP)Fe^III-modified MWCNT electrode exhibits a markedly higher operational stability, retaining 63% of its initial activity after one month.     

Antitrypanasomal activity of novel benzaldehyde-thiosemicarbazone derivatives from kaurenoic acid

A series of new thiosemicarbazones derived from natural diterpene kaurenoic acid were synthesized and tested against the epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi to evaluate their antitrypanosomal potential. Seven of the synthesized thiosemicarbazones were more active than kaurenoic acid with IC?? values between 2-24.0 mM. The o-nitro-benzaldehyde-thiosemicarbazone derivative was the most active compound with IC?? of 2.0 mM. The results show that the structural modifications accomplished enhanced the antitrypanosomal activity of these compounds. Besides, the thiocyanate, thiosemicarbazide and the p- methyl, p-methoxy, p-dimethylamine, m-nitro and o-chlorobenzaldehyde-thiosemicarbazone derivatives displayed lower toxicity for LLMCK? cells than kaurenoic acid, exhibing an IC?? of 59.5 mM.     

Das thermische Verhalten einiger “Prussiate”

The air oxidation of copper sheets was followed by thermogravimetry in order to establish the formation of copper(II) oxide and to determine the activation energy of the copper(I) oxide — copper(II) oxide transition. The results were compared with those obtained by using the isothermal procedure.     

Crystal structure and infrared and electronic spectra of some divalent first series transition metal pentacyanonitrosylmanganates (I)

Structural and infrared and electronic spectroscopic studies of the coordination polymers corresponding to the compounds of simplest formulas M ₃ ^II [Mn(CN)₅NO]₂·nH₂O (M=Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, andn=8–16) are reported and discussed in comparison with the corresponding nitroprussides. These polymers have a typical face centered cubic unit cell containing 1 1/3 formula units, except for M=Mn where the crystal system is orthorhombic.