Cartesian currents,weak diffeomorphisms and existence theorems in nonlinear elasticity

Summary In this paper we introduce some new classes of functions, among these a class of weak diffeomorphisms. In these classes we prove by direct methods the existence of minimizers for several kinds of variational integrals. In particular, we prove the existence of one-to-one orientation-preserving maps that minimize suitable energies associated with hyperelastic materials. The minimizers are also proved to satisfy equilibrium equations. Finally radial deformations are discussed in connection with cavitation.     

Multiple impulse solutions to McKean's caricature of the nerve equation. I—existence

McKean's caricature of the nerve equation: is considered. The H in (1) is the Heaviside function. We prove the existence of multiple impulse solutions consisting of any finite number of pulses. These solutions are referred to as n-ple impulse solutions, where n is an arbitrary positive integer.     

Essay on gravitation: Present-time variation of Newton's gravitational constant in superstring theories

Superstring theories provide an appropriate framework for studying the time variation of fundamental coupling constants. The present time variation of coupling constants in Superstring theories with currently favorable internal backgrounds critically depends on the shape of the potential for the size of internal space. If the potential is almost flat, as in perturbation theory to all orders, the present value of ¦/G¦ for Newton's gravitational constant is calculable and estimated to be 1×10^–11±1yr^–1, which is just at the edge of the present observational bound for/G. If the potential has a minimum with finite curvature due to unknown nonperturbative effects,/G will become unobservably small. The improvement of the measurement of/G of 1 or 2 orders of magnitude would discriminate between the two situations. Problems with the time variation of other coupling constants are also discussed.This essay received the fourth award from the Gravity Research Foundation for the year 1987-Ed.     

Strukturelle Charakterisierung der Dicyanamid-Komplexe von Kupfer(II), Nickel(II) bzw. Kobalt(II) mit Aminopyridinen

Summary New dicyanamide complexes of the typeM[N(CN)₂]₂ L ₂ (M=Cu or Ni;L=2-, 3-, 4-aminopyridine, 2-amino-5-nitropyridine) and Co[N(CN)₂]₂ (2-amino-5-nitropyridine)₂ were prepared and studied by spectroscopic methods as well as by room-temperature magnetic moments. The results show that the Cu(II) complexes have elongated pseudooctahedral structures while the Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes are octahedral. In most cases the N(CN)₂ groups are in bridging function and through their cyanide nitrogens, or-more rarely-amide and cyanide nitrogens connect the basic structure units into polymeric conglomerates. In the Cu(II) systems exchange coupling is seen from the _eff value or ESR spectrum.

Professor Viktor Gutmann zum 70. Geburtstag gewidmet     

Bioaccumulation and voltammetry of gold at flower-biomass modified electrodes

The bioaccumulation of gold at antheral cells from flower Datura innoxia is investigated by incorporating these plant cells into a carbon paste matrix. The resulting plant-modified electrode offers a preferential uptake of gold from dilute solutions. The voltammetric behavior of the surface-bound gold is examined under different preconcentration conditions. Scanning electron microscopy offers useful insights into the gold collection process. Convenient measurements of micromolar gold concentrations are possible, with effective self cleaning allowing the use of a single electrode in multiple determinations (R.S.D. of 4.8% for 50 repetitions). The sensitivity and selectivity enhancements associated with the preferential bioaccumulation process, and the convenient surface regeneration, offer the prospect of using the flower-biomass containing electrodes as sensors for gold.     

Amperometric flow-injection analysis of hydrazine by electrocatalytic oxidation at cobalt tetraphenylporphyrin modified electrode with heat treatment

Chemically modified electrodes prepared by treating the cobalt tetraphenylporphyrin modified glassy-carbon electrode at 750 degrees (HCME) are shown to catalyze the electrooxidation of hydrazine. The oxidation occurred at +0.63 V vs. Ag/AgCl (saturated potassium chloride) in pH 2.5 media. The catalytic response is evaluated with respect to solution pH, potential scan-rate, concentration dependence and flow-rate. The catalytic stability of the HCME is compared with that of the cobalt tetraphenylporphyrin adsorbed glassy-carbon electrode. The stability of the HCME was excellent in acidic solution and even in solutions containing organic solvent (50% CH(3)OH). When used as the sensing electrode in amperometric detection in flow-injection analysis, the HCME permitted sensitive detection of hydrazine at 0.5 V. The limit of detection was 0.1 ng. The linear range was from 50 ng to 2.4 mug. The method is very sensitive and selective.