A quadratic spinor Lagrangian for general relativity

We present a newfinite action for Einstein gravity in which the Lagrangian is quadratic in the covariant derivative of a spinor field. Via a new spinor-curvature identity, it is related to the standard Einstein-Hilbert Lagrangian by a total differential term. The corresponding Hamiltonian, like the one associated with the Witten positive energy proof, is fully 4-covariant. It defines quasi-local energy-momentum and can be reduced to the one in our recent positive energy proof.This essay received the fourth award from the Gravity Research Foundation, 1994—Ed.     

Electron inelastic mean free paths and energy losses in solids II: Electron gas statistical model

A statistical model for the calculation of inelastic mean free paths and energy losses of electrons in solids is described. Results for the application of the model to the six solid media Al, Au, Ag, Cu, Ni, and Si are presented. Agreement between calculated mean free paths and experimental attenuation lengths indicates that the statistical model provides a useful method in the little-studied electron energy range from a few tens of electron volts to 10 keV.     

The preparation of glass SCOT columns by the organic glue method

A technique for adhesion of fine particles (ca. 5 μ) of the 405 white diatomaceous support on the inner wall of glass tube with organic glue [poly (diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) acetate] is described. The coated tube was drawn to capillary column by using a machine designed according to Desty's. The capillary column was then coated with stationary phase (such as squaiane, QF-1, Dexsil 300, PEG 20 M, OV-1, SE 30 and etc.) by the conventional dynamic or static method. This preparation method has proved easy to duplicate and is simple. The coating efficiency (UTE %) is within 60–90. The theoretical plate number per meter of an SE 30 column is about 4000, and per meter of a PEG 20 M column is about 2500. The columns thus prepared have been successfully used to analyze petroleum hydrocarbons, essential oils, petrochemicals, pheromone, steroid metabolites and others.     

Photoinduced electron transfer in a supramolecular species building of mono-6-p-nitrobenzoyl-beta-cyclodextrin with naphthalene derivatives

Photoinduced electron transfer was observed in the supramolecular complexes of p-nitrobenzoyl-beta-cyclodextrin (NBCD) with a number of naphthalene derivatives, which were stabilized clearly via hydrophobic interactions in aqueous solution. Both steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements were conducted, which revealed that there were two routes of electron transfer, i.e., electron transfer between the free donor and free acceptor in solution and electron transfer between the donor and acceptor bound in a supramolecular assembly. The evidence collected demonstrates that the latter route was very efficient. As a result, the rate and quantum yield of the fluorescence quenching in the present supramolecular system were appreciably large.     

Highly efficient red-electrophosphorescent devices based on polyfluorene copolymers containing charge-transporting pendant units

We have systematically examined the photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) behavior of blends comprising two efficient red phosphors doped, respectively, into the blue-emitting polyfluorene derivatives PF-TPA-OXD and PF-OXD. The host polymers, which contain both hole- and electron-transporting or merely electron-transporting side chains, are capable of facilitating charge injection and transport. After determining the HOMO and LUMO energy levels of these materials, we were able to match the dopant with its most suitable host to achieve the direct formation and confinement of an exciton at the dopant. This configuration also leads to a reduction in the electrical excitation of the host polymer, which in turn decreases the degree of exciton loss arising from nonradiative decay of the host triplet. Using this approach, we were able to realize the production of high-performance red-electrophosphorescent devices. For Os(fppz)-doped devices, we obtain a balanced charge recombination in conjunction with higher current and luminance when using PF-TPA-OXD as the host matrix; this device reached a maximum external quantum efficiency of 8.37% with a peak brightness of 16 720 cd/m2. The absence of charge-transporting pendant units, i.e., the device fabricated from poly[9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl] (POF), led, however, to relatively poor electroluminescence characteristics (5.81% and 2144 cd/m2).     

Determination of metal components in marine sediments using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometry

A rapid energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometric method for the analysis of metal components of marine sediments has been presented. Calibrations were made using synthetic matrix. The agreement of the results for sediment standard reference materials with reference values is satisfactory. Major advantages of the non-destructive ED-XRF technique over conventional chemical digestion methods include the applicability to analyzing the major oxide components, as well as to trace metals, and the avoidance of hazardous chemicals. The method has been applied to the routine analysis of Hong Kong marine sediment.     

Interaction of copper(II) halides with 4-azafluorene derivatives in neutral and acid media. Crystal and molecular structure of 4-aza-9-oxofluorenium tetrabromocuprate hydrate (HL<Superscript>4</Superscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>CuB<Subscript>4</Subscript> · H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Complexes of copper(II) halides (chlorides and bromides) with some 4-azafluorene derivatives have been synthesized and studied by X-ray crystallography and IR and UV spectroscopy. In neutral media, Cu(L)₂X₂ (X = Cl, Br) complexes are formed in which the ligands are coordinated to the metal atoms though the lone pair of the endocyclic nitrogen atom and through the oxygen atoms of substituents. In acid media at pH 2, (HL²)₂CuX₄ complexes are formed in which the 4-azafluorene molecules protonated at the endocyclic nitrogen atom act as an outer-sphere cation. The molecule and crystal structure of 4-aza-9-oxofluorenium tetrabromocuprate hydrate (HL⁴)₂CuBr₄·H₂O has been determined.     

Removal of Safranine from Aqueous Solution by Using Adsorptive Bubble Separation Techniques

Safranine, a cationic dye, was removed from synthetic wastewater by ion flotation. Over 98% of safranine was removed from the solution in 10 min. A stoichiometric amount of surfactant (1 mol of surfactant to 1 mol of dye) was found to be most effective for safranine removal. The separation efficiency of safranine decreased with increasing concentration of NaNO3. Safranine was also removed by adsorbing colloid flotation technique using Fe(OH)3 as the coagulant. Sodium lauryl sulfate was used as the collector, and over 97% of safranine was removed in 5 min. The separation efficiency decreased with increasing ionic strength of the solution. The deleterious effect of neutral salt was compensated somewhat with the aid of Al^3 as the activator. Both ion flotation and adsorbing colloid flotation may be applicable in the removal of safranine from wastewater.     

四氢呋喃开环聚合的研究

四氢呋喃(THF)通过正离子开环聚合制得的聚丁二醇(PTMG)是生产聚氨酯及聚酯弹性材料的重要原料。对PTMG的一般要求是平均分子量在600—3000之间,两个端基为羟基。一般用下列三类催化剂制备的:醋酸酐-高氯酸,氟磺酸及发烟硫酸,用醋酸酐-高氯酸为催化剂制得的聚四氢呋喃,是以醋酸酯基(—OAC)为端基,尚需进一步水解反应,使端基变为羟基。用氟磺酸为催化剂,虽然产物的端基为羟