Commutative free loop space models at large primes

Let p be a prime number and a natural number. If E is a r-connected finite CW-complex of dimension at most pr, then E is an example of a p -Anick space. For p > 2 we construct a commutative cochain algebra over that is an -model of the free loop space on a p-Anick space, i.e., its cohomology algebra is isomorphic to the mod p cohomology of the free loop space. For p-Anick spaces that are p-formal, such as spheres and projective spaces, we define an even simpler commutative free loop space model that applies for all primes p. We then use the simplified model to compute the cohomology algebras of a number of free loop spaces explicitly. Received: 23 June 1999; in final form: 8 September 2000 // Published online: 7 April 2003     

Finite element simulation of viscoelastic fluids of the integral type

In the present paper, we develop an algorithm for calculating the steady flow of viscoelastic fluids of the integral type. The calculation is based upon a simple integration of the strains along the streamlines, and the method remains valid for arbitrary elements. The technique is applied to the flow of a Maxwell fluid through a wedge and to the calculation of the hole-pressure error for the Doi-Edwards fluid.     

Electrochemical properties of a new cytostatic agent: 2-Formylpyridine thiosemicarbazone

Summary The electrochemical characteristics of 2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (2-FPTS) have been studied by direct current, alternating current, and differential pulse polarography and cyclic voltammetry at a mercury electrode. This new cytostatic agent is reduced in a two-electron irreversible step at the nitrogen double bond of the side chain, in the pH range 0.2–12. A double anodic wave very close to the oxidation wave of mercury, corresponding to the formation of an organo-mercury compound, develops in neutral and alkaline media. These different electrochemical reactions are complicated by adsorption. In alkaline media, the carbon-nitrogen double bond reduction current decreases progressively with increasing pH due to formation of an electrochemically inactive species. Finally, a catalytic reduction wave of protons is developed in neutral solutions. Quantitative determination of the compound was possible in the range 1×10^–7 to 1×10^–3 M, using the diffusion controlled reduction wave at pH 7. The qualitative detection limit is 2×10^–8 M (4 ng/ml).

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Elektrochemische Eigenschaften einer neuen cytostatischen Substanz: 2-Formylpyridin-thiosemicarbazon

Zusammenfassung Die elektrochemischen Eigenschaften von 2-Formylpyridin-thiosemicarbazon wurden mit Hilfe der Gleichstrom-, Wechselstrom- und Differentialpuls-Polarographie sowie der cyclischen Voltammetrie an der Hg-Elektrode untersucht. Die neue cytostatische Substanz wird in einer irreversiblen Zweielektronen-Stufe an der Stickstoff-Kohlenstoff-Doppelbindung der Seitenkette reduziert (pH-Bereich 0,212). In neutralen und alkalischem Medium entwickelt sich eine anodische Doppelstufe dicht bei der Oxidationsstufe des Quecksilbers, entsprechend der Bildung einer quecksilberorganischen Verbindung. Diese elektrochemischen Reaktionen werden durch Adsorptionsvorgange verkompliziert. In alkalischem Medium nimmt der Reduktionsstrom der Kohlenstoff-Stickstoff-Doppelbindung mit zunehmendem pH ab, was der Bildung einer elektrochemisch inaktiven Substanz zugeschrieben wird. In neutraler Lösung wird eine katalytische protonische Reduktionsstufe gebildet. Die quantitative Bestimmung war im Bereich von 1·10^–7 bis 1·10^–3 M möglich, wobei die diffusionskontrollierte Reduktionsstufe bei pH 7 benutzt wurde. Die qualitative Nachweisgrenze liegt bei 2·10^–8 M (4 ng/ml).

     

Sun-reactive Skin Type in 4912 French adults participating in the SU.VI.MAX study

Phototype classifications were initially developed in an attempt to predict the skin reactions of patients to phototherapy and are now widely used to advise individuals with regard to sun protection. A transversal study was conducted on the SU.VI.MAX cohort to estimate the frequency of sun-reactive skin features in a large, general adult population-based sample, and to describe the associations between these features. The data were collected 3 years after the beginning of the SU.VI.MAX nutritional intervention study on 4912 volunteers (2868 women aged 35-60 years and 2044 men aged 45-60 years). A multiple correspondence analysis was performed to study the associations between the features. The results showed that these features correspond to a one-dimensional phenomenon, which allowed us to establish a score to summarize skin sensitivity to sun exposure. Furthermore, we found a link between gender and phototype using the Césarini classification (phototype > or = IV: 37% of women, 47% of men). The analysis of the relationship with sun-reactive skin features and the score revealed the same trend. Phenotypic evaluation appears to be a good estimator of skin sensitivity to sun exposure for clinical screening or for use in research, and is easy to collect at a lower cost. Moreover, the sun sensitivity difference between gender should be considered in education about photoprotection.     

Photocatalytic coatings for environmental applications

A series of nano- and micronparticle-grade anatase and rutile titanium dioxide pigments have been prepared with various densities of surface treatments, particle size and surface area. Their photocatalytic activites have been determined in a series of paint films by FTIR, chalking, color, gloss change and weight loss after artifical weathering. The pigments have also been examined by rapid assessment methodologies using photodielectric microwave spectroscopy, 2-propanol oxidation and hydroxyl analysis. The microwave response under light and dark cycles provides an extended timescale probe of charge-carrier dynamics in the pigments. Pigment particle size, surface area and properties clearly play an important role in dispersion and any polymer-pigment interactions. Photooxidation studies on several types of paint films show a clear demarcation between nanoparticle- and pigmentary-grade titanium dioxide, with the former being more active because of their greater degree of catalytic surface activity. The photosensitivity of titanium dioxide is considered to arise from localized sites on the crystal surface (i.e. acidic OH), and occupation of these sites by surface treatments inhibits photoreduction of the pigment by ultraviolet radiation; hence, the destructive oxidation of the binder is inhibited. Coatings containing 2-5% by weight alumina or alumina and silica are satisfactory for general-purpose paints. If greater resistance to weathering is desired, the pigments are coated more heavily to about 7-10% weight. The coating can consist of a combination of several materials, e.g. alumina, silica, zirconia, aluminum phosphates of other metals. For example, the presence of hydrous alumina particles lowers van der Waals forces between pigments particles by several orders of magnitude, decreasing particle-particle attractions. Hydrous aluminum oxide phases appear to improve dispersibility more effectively than most of the other hydroxides and oxides. Coated nanoparticles are shown to exhibit effective light stabilization in various water- and oil-based paint media in comparison with conventional organic stabilizers. Hindered piperidine stabilizers are shown to provide no additional benefits in this regard, often exhibiting strong antagonism. The use of photocatalytic titania nanoparticles in the development of self-cleaning paints and microbiological surfaces is also demonstrated in this study. In the former case, surface erosion is shown to be controlled by varying the ratio of admixture of durable pigmentary-grade rutile (heavily coated) and a catalytic-grade anatase nanoparticle. For environmental applications in the development of coatings for destroying atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen oxide gases (NO(X)), stable substrates are developed with photocatalytic nanoparticle-grade anatase. In this study, porosity of the coatings through calcium carbonate doping is shown to be crucial in the control of the effective destruction of atmospheric NO(X) gases. For the development of microbiological substrates for the destruction of harmful bacteria, effective nanoparticle anatase titania is shown to be important, with hydrated high surface area particles giving the greatest activity.     

Kinetics and mechanistic aspects of the Heck reaction promoted by a CN-palladacycle

In the Heck reaction between aryl halides and n-butyl acrylate, the palladacycle {Pd[kappa(1)-C, kappa(1)-N-C=(C(6)H(5))C(Cl)CH(2)NMe(2)](mu-Cl)}(2), 1, is merely a reservoir of the catalytically active Pd(0) species [1](Pd colloids or highly active forms of low ligated Pd(0) species) that undergoes oxidative addition of the aryl halide on the surface with subsequent detachment, generating homogeneous Pd(II) species. The main catalytic cycle is initiated by oxidative addition of iodobenzene to [1], followed by the reversible coordination of the olefin to the oxidative addition product. All the unimolecular subsequent steps are indistinguishable kinetically and can be combined in a single step. This kinetic model predicts that a slight excess of alkene relative to iodobenzene leads to a rapid rise in the Pd(0) concentration while when using a slight excess of iodobenzene, relative to alkene, the oxidative addition product is the resting state of the catalytic cycle. Competitive experiments of various bromoarenes and iodoarenes with n-butyl acrylate catalyzed by 1 and CS, CP, and NCN palladacycles gave the same rho value (2.4-2.5 for Ar-Br and 1.7-1.8 for Ar-I) for all palladacycles employed, indicating that they generate the same species in the oxidative addition step. The excellent fit of the slope with the sigma(0) Hammett parameter and the entropy of activation of -43 +/- 8 J mol(-1) K(-1) are consistent with an associative process involving the development of only a partial charge in the transition state for the oxidative step of iodobenzene.     

1,2-dioxines containing tethered hydroxyl functionality as convenient precursors for pyran syntheses

A new method for the construction of tetrahydropyrans derived from readily available 1,2-dioxines containing a tethered hydroxyl moiety is described. The reaction proceeds via a base-catalyzed rearrangement of the 1,2-dioxines to either the isomeric cis or trans gamma-hydroxy enones followed by intramolecular oxa-Michael addition of the tethered hydroxyl group.     

Persistent interactions between hydroxylated nanoballs and atactic poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)(PHEMA)

The incorporation of self-assembled nanoparticles, a.k.a. hydroxylated nanoballs, into poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)(PHEMA) gives rise to a cross-linked network/hydrogel with enhanced interfacial interaction, whereas its inclusion in poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) results in plasticization.