Angular self-intersections for closed geodesics on surfaces

In this note we consider asymptotic results for self-intersections of closed geodesics on surfaces for which the angle of the intersection occurs in a given arc. We do this by extending Bonahon's definition of intersection forms for surfaces.

     

Studies of solid-state ion-selective electrodes prepared from semiconducting organic radical-ion salts

The primary redox reactions for solid-state ion-selective electrodes prepared from electronically semiconducting salts of 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (tcnq) can be identified by considering the redox properties of their constituent ions or molecules. Three different processes involving the couples, Mⁿ⁺/M⁰, 2tcnq^o/(tcnq^-)₂ and (tcnq^-)₂/2tcnq^2- are possible depending on salt composition. Ionic product values determined by potentiometric and atomic absorption methods are in excellent agreement for several such salts; K_s(K₂tcnq₂)=5.8±1.2·10^-11(pot.), 1.7±1·10^-11 (a.a.s.); K_s(Cdtcnq₂) = 3.0±0.5·10^-9 (pot.), 2.9±0.3·10^-9(a.a.s.); K_s(Pbtcnq₂) = 1.3±0.3·10^-10 (pot.), 0.96±0.2·10^-10(a.a.s.); and indicate that the lower activity limit for electrode response is controlled by the solubility of the sensor material itself. Comparisons of predicted and observed standard electrode potentials provide quantitative support for an ion-exchange mechanism of interference. The behaviour of electrodes prepared from Cu₂tcnq₂ (copper(I)) and Cutcnq₂ (copper(II)) is explained on the basis of an interference mechanism and considerations of solid-state equilibria.     

Formation of [b(n−1)+OH+H]+ ion structural analogs by solution-phase chemistry

Derivatization of a variety of peptides by a method known to enhance anhydride formation is demonstrated by mass spectrometry to yield ions that have elemental composition and fragmentation properties identical to [b(n-1) + OH + H]+ ions formed by gas-phase rearrangement and fragmentation. The [b(n-1) + OH + H]+ ions formed by gas-phase rearrangement and fragmentation and the solution-phase [b(n-1) + OH + H]+ ion structural analogs formed by derivatization chemistry show two different forms of dissociation using multiple-collision CAD in a quadrupole ion trap and unimolecular decomposition in a TOF-TOF; one group yields identical product ions as a truncated form of the peptide with a free C-terminal carboxylic acid and fragments at the same activation energy; the other group fragments differently from the truncated peptide, being more resistant to fragmentation than the truncated peptide and yielding primarily the [b(n-2) + OH + H]+ product ion. Nonergodic electron capture dissociation MS/MS suggests that any structural differences between the specific-fragmenting [b(n-1) + OH + H]+ ions and the truncated peptide is at the C-terminus of the peptide. The specific-fragmentation can be readily observed by MS(n) experiments to occur in an iterative fashion, suggesting that the C-terminal structure of the original [b(n-1) + OH + H]+ ion is maintained after subsequent rearrangement and fragmentation events in peptides which fragment specifically. A mechanism for the formation of specific-fragmenting and nonspecific-fragmenting [b(n-1) + OH + H]+ ions is proposed.     

A polarographic cell system with a novel temperature-controlled reference electrode for the determination of kinetic parameters of electrode reactions

An improved experimental arrangement for the determination of kinetic data relating to polarographic reductions is described. The significant feature is the constant-temperature reference electrode; its construction and use in this context are described. A comparison is made of the more realistic results obtained by these means, with those obtained with a more conventional cell where the temperature of the reference electrode is varied with that of the working solution.     

An investigation into the self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) of superconducting ceramics by thermal methods

The SHS route is based on the well-known thermite reaction, in which a strongly exothermic reaction can sustain itself and propagate in the form of a combustion wave until the reactants have been completely consumed. The successful application of the method to the synthesis of superconducting ceramics of stoichiometry RBa₂Cu₃O_y (R=Y, Er, Yb) is reported. The 123 phase was obtained when pellets of R₂O₃, BaO₂ and Cu metal in the correct proportions were dropped into a heater held at 800°C in an oxygen atmosphere and left there for only 10 minutes. Thermal methods (DSC and DTA) are excellent techniques with which to investigate the dependence of the reaction on heating rate, atmosphere and starting composition.     

Determination of dopamine and its metabolites in small volumes of rat brain dialysates using small-bore liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A miniaturized liquid chromatographic system with electrochemical detection (LC-ED) was developed and applied to the analysis of dopamine and its metabolites in dialysate samples collected from the rat brain in vivo. An existing LC-ED system was down-scaled using a 1 mm I.D. small-bore column operated at a reduced flow-rate and with an injection volume of 1 microliter. With the small-bore system the limit of detection for dopamine of ca. 0.06 pg was almost 50 times less than with the conventional system, which represents a two-fold improvement in concentration sensitivity. Miniaturization was accomplished with negligible loss in resolution by using a conventional commercial amperometric detector with minor modifications. The results indicate that a number of useful advantages could be realized by the combination of this small-bore LC-ED system and the in vivo brain dialysis method.     

The bed-depth effect in the thermal decomposition of carbonates

The effect of sample mass, heating rate and partial pressure of carbon dioxide on TG, DTG and DTA curves for the decomposition of some common carbonates has been investigated. These variables gave a marked effect, similar in magnitude for both DTG and DTA. The effect of sample mass, or depth of undiluted sample, is shown to be due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide within the reacting powder. This effect is most pronounced in nitrogen but is much reduced in carbon dioxide. Inert diluents have little effect on the curves since they do not increase the partial pressure of CO₂. The first stage of the decomposition of dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂) varies with increasing partial pressure of carbon dioxide in an anomalous manner and hence the effects of these procedural variables (except heating rate) are not similar to those observed for magnesite (MgCO₃) and calcite (CaCO₃). The second stage is, however, strongly dependent on these variables and behaves in a manner that would be predicted for a sample of calcite diluted with magnesite.