Simultaneous acquisition of X-ray spectra using a multi-wire, position-sensitive gas flow detector

A multi-wire, gas-filled position-sensitive detector has been developed for the simultaneous recording of wavelength-dispersed X-ray signals that enables X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with a limited multi-element capability in the low Z element range. Details of the modular construction of the detector are given. The detector performance was characterized using Al–K radiation and a variable slit system. The detector has been applied in a laboratory spectrometer equipped with an electron source and a double multilayer mirror device as the wavelength-dispersing element. Spectra from Al and Si obtained in the simultaneous acquisition mode show good agreement with calculations performed using a ray-tracing model.     

Molekulare Zusammensetzung von flüssigem Schwefel. Teil 2: Qualitative Analyse und Isolierung von S7, S12, α-S18 und S20

Molecular Composition of Liquid Sulfur. Part 2: Qualitative Analysis and Preparation of S₇, S₁₂, α-S₁₈, and S₂₀ from S₈ Raman spectra of sulfur melts (115–300°C), of quenched melts and of CS₂ extracts of quenched melts show besides S₈ the presence of S₆ and S₇. Formation of S₇ from S₈ at 120°C takes more than 8 h; the S₇ equilibrium concentration increases with temperature. Pure crystalline S₇, S₁₂, α-S₁₈ and S₂₀ are prepared on a preparative scale by fractional extraction, crystallization, flotation and precipitation of quenched sulfur melts. Also a mixture of larger rings (S_x; x? = 25) has been isolated. Infrared and Raman spectra of α-S₁₈, S₂₀ and S_x are reported.     

On the matrix monotonicity of generalized inversion

Let A, B be two matrices of the same order. We write A>B(A>?B) iff A? B is a positive (semi-) definite hermitian matrix. In this paper the well-known result if

$\text{A>B>θ, then B}{}^{\mathrm{?1}}\text{>A}{}^{\mathrm{?1}}\text{> θ}$

(cf. Bellman [1, p.59]) is extended to the generalized inverses of certain types of pairs of singular matrices A,B?θ, where θ denotes the zero matrix of appropriate order.     

Studies on the synthesis and biosynthesis of the fungal alkaloid necatorone

An alternative pathway for the biosynthesis of the fungal alkaloid necatorone has been studied using fluorine-labeled 3-(2-carboxyphenylamino)-l-tyrosine. Although no incorporation of this compound could be detected in feeding experiments with young specimens of Lactarius necator, an analogous 3-aminotyrosine derivative could be converted synthetically into the oxopyridoacridine core structure of necatorone. In experiments aimed at the synthesis of aaptamine-type alkaloids, an unprecedented cyclization of a 3-aminotyrosine-methyl propiolate adduct to a methyl isoquinoline-3-carboxylate was observed. A mechanism is proposed, in which C3 of the propiolate delivers C1 of the isoquinoline nucleus.     

Synthesis and Hydrolysis of Phosphate Ester Derivatives of 3(5)-Methylpyrazole and 3-Amino-1,2,4-Triazole

Ester derivatives of N-phosphorylated 3(5)-methylpyrazole and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, respectively, have been synthesized. The results of hydrolysis studies are described.     

Assemblies from metallic and semiconducting nanocrystals

Optical properties of nanomaterials such as semiconductor and metal quantum dots are important for sensors and photovoltaic applications. We report on optical, microscopic, and AFM investigations on bulk and single nanoobjects such as metal and semiconducting nanoparticles. Firstly, of special interest is the investigation of Ag metal nanoaggregates formed in zeolites. Here, the defined structure of the zeolite serves both as size directing and a stabilizing agent. The size selected Ag aggregates fluoresce in the zeolite cages even after storage under ambient conditions for almost one year. In addition, single Ag particles escape the cages and can be investigated by fluorescence microscopy also with respect to sensor applications. Secondly, with respect to photovoltaic applications, energy transfer among organic dye molecules and semiconductor quantum dots is of great importance. We report on the extension of the optical absorption of ZnSe quantum dots into the UV regime and investigate excitation energy transfer within self-assembled nanoaggregates of surface functionalized QDs and fluorescent styrylpyridine dyes.     

Stratification of the Radiation Field Inside a Photobioreactor During Microalgae Growth

Light availability is a main issue in autotrophic growth of photosynthetic microorganisms. The change of the suspended cells concentration and that of their chlorophylls content during microalgal growth alters the optical properties of the aqueous suspension. This brings about changes in the properties of the radiation field inside the reactor. In this work, we have computed the evolution in time of the local volumetric rate of absorption of photons inside a photobioreactor by means of a Monte Carlo simulation algorithm previously developed. From this study, we have computed two operational variables that are useful tools for the analysis, performance comparison, optimization and scaling up of photobioreactors: the average rate of photon absorption and the volumetric distribution function of photons absorption rates. Based on these two variables, it is possible to systematically quantify the degree of stratification of the culture medium, which is a decisive aspect that hampers the reactor efficiency regarding the energy usage for biomass production.