Ferroelectric Coordination Polymers Self‐Assembled from Mesogenic Zinc(II) Porphyrin and Dipolar Bridging Ligands

A new class of ferroelectric coordination‐based polymers has been developed by the self‐assembly of lipophilic zinc porphyrin ( ZnP ) and ditopic bridging ligands. The ligands contain dipolar benzothiadiazole or fluorobenzene units, which are axially coordinated to ZnP with the dipole moments oriented perpendicular to the coordination axes. The coordination‐based polymers show ferroelectric characteristics in the liquid crystalline state, as revealed by distinctive hysteresis in the polarization–electric field (P–E) loops and inversion current peaks in current–voltage (I–V) loops. The observed ferroelectric properties are explainable by flip–flop rotation of the dipolar axle ligands induced by the applied electric field, as demonstrated by the positive‐up–negative‐down (PUND) measurements. The present system provides a new operating principle in supramolecular ferroelectrics.     

Atmospheric pressure waves in the field of volcanology

Atmospheric pressure waves are a notable phenomenon associated with explosive volcanic eruptions. They can provide us with information about eruption processes that are useful both scientifically and practically. In this paper, we give a brief review of studies that have been carried out on this phenomenon in the field of volcanology. Then, we introduce a prototype tool called ‘MOVE’ (Mobile Observatory for Volcanic Explosions). It is a remote-controlled vehicle carrying various instruments to observe pressure waves and the eruption processes. PACS 91.40.Dr · 91.40.Ft · 93.65.+e · 93.85.+qThis paper was based on work presented at the 2nd International Symposium on Interdisciplinary Shock Wave Research, Sendai, Japan on March 1–3, 2005.     

Delayed nonlinear cournot and bertrand dynamics with product differentiation

Dynamic duopolies will be examined with product differentiation and isoelastic price functions. We will first prove that under realistic conditions the equilibrium is always locally asymptotically stable. The stability can however be lost if the firms use delayed information in forming their best responses. Stability conditions are derived in special cases, and simulation results illustrate the complexity of the dynamism of the systems. Both price and quantity adjusting models are discussed.     

The accuracy of residual stress measurement by the hole-drilling method

This paper describes the verification of the accuracy of residual stress measurement by the hole-drilling method. The strain measurement is simulated by the use of the indirect fictitious-boundary integral method. As an example, a finite rectangular plate subjected to initial stress is treated, and a simulated measurement of the residual stress is made using the strain relieved during hole drilling. The accuracy of residual stress measurement is estimated by comparing the simulated measured residual stress with the actual residual stress, i.e., the given initial stress. The results are shown for various distances and angles of strain gages. Also, the influences of the eccentricity of the hole from the center of the strain gages and the effect of a boundary near the hole are examined.     

High‐TC Ferromagnetic Semiconductor‐Like Behavior and Unusual Electrical Properties in Compounds with a 2×2×2 Superstructure of the Half‐Heusler Phase

Heusler phases, including the full‐ and half‐Heusler families, represent an outstanding class of multifunctional materials on account of their great tunability in compositions, valence electron counts (VEC), and properties. Here we demonstrate a systematic design of a series of new compounds with a 2×2×2 superstructure of the half‐Heusler unit cell in X–Y–Z (X=Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, Ir; Y=Zn, Mn; Z=Sn, Sb) systems. Their structures were solved by using both powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and also directly observed by using high‐angle annular dark‐field imaging in a scanning transmission electron microscope (HAADF‐STEM). The VEC values of these new compounds span a wide and continuous range comparable to those for the full‐ and half‐Heusler families, thereby implying tunability in compositions and physical properties in the superstructure. In fact, we observed abnormal electrical properties and a ferromagnetic semiconductor‐like behavior with a high and tunable Curie temperature in these superstructures.     

Pyrolysis of Polymer Complexes Leading to Air-Stable Ultrafine Metal Particles Uniformly Dispersedin a Carbon Matrix

New types of air-stable metal-carbon composites which contain ultrafine metal particles (Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, Cu, etc.) uniformly dispersed in a carbon matrix were obtained by pyrolysis of a variety of soluble organometallic polymers, macromolecular-metal complexes, and blends of coal pitch with metal complexes at 400-1400°C in N₂. Some of their unique physical properties and functions are noted.     

Pd-catalyzed cycloisomerization-allylation of 4-alkynones: synthesis of 5-homoallylfuran derivatives

In the presence of Pd₂(dba)₃-tBu₃P catalyst and Cs₂CO₃, cycloisomerization-allylation reactions of 4-alkynone derivatives with allyl carbonates in MeCN proceed in 5-exo mode to give highly-substituted furans having homoallyl groups at 5-position.