Effect of particle geometry on phase transitions in two-dimensional liquid crystals

Using a version of density-functional theory which combines Onsager approximation and fundamental-measure theory for spatially nonuniform phases, we have studied the phase diagram of freely rotating hard rectangles and hard discorectangles. We find profound differences in the phase behavior of these models, which can be attributed to their different packing properties. Interestingly, bimodal orientational distribution functions are found in the nematic phase of hard rectangles, which cause a certain degree of biaxial order, albeit metastable with respect to spatially ordered phases. This feature is absent in discorectangles, which always show unimodal behavior. This result may be relevant in the light of recent experimental results which have confirmed the existence of biaxial phases. We expect that some perturbation of the particle shapes (either a certain degree of polydispersity or even bimodal dispersity in the aspect ratios) may actually destabilize spatially ordered phases thereby stabilizing the biaxial phase.     

The limit of detectability in X-ray electron-probe microanalysis

Summary The definitions given by various authors for the limit of detectability are compared and their relationship to the basic measurements (especially the background value) is explained. A new definition is derived on the assumption that the relative standard deviation must not exceed 33.3% if negative results are to be avoided. Negative results may still appear, but only very rarely. The properties of this limit of detectability are discussed, together with the effect of making multiple measurements of the background and peak.

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Zusammenfassung Die von verschiedenen Autoren angegebenen Definitionen der Nachweisgrenze wurden verglichen und deren Beziehung zu den Bezugsmessungen (besonders des Untergrundes) wurde erklärt. Eine neue Definition wurde von der Annahme abgeleitet, daß die relative Standardabweichung 33,3% nicht überschreiten darf, sollen negative Resultate vermieden werden. Solche können zwar auftreten, aber nur sehr selten. Die Eigenschaften dieser Nachweisgrenze wurden ebenso wie die Auswirkung mehrfacher Messungen des Untergrundes und der Peaks diskutiert.

     

Catalytic effect of metal ions on photochemical reactions of molecular oxygen, III. Photochemical autoxidation of sulfite catalyzed by manganese(II) ions

The rate of photoinitiated autoxidation of sulfite is influenced by manganese(II) ions even in trace concentrations. An increase in the concentration of manganese(II) ions in the reaction system increases the quantum yield of the photoinitiated reaction.

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(II), - . (II) - .

     

Calculation of cross sections for positron-Ar collisions

The three-body classical trajectory Monte-Carlo (CTMC) method is used to investigate positron-argon atom collisions. The total ionization cross sections are presented along with singly and doubly differential cross sections. The existence of the cusp-like peak in the triply differential electron and positron spectra at positron impact is predicted.     

The ETACS European project for testing the comparability of sensors and analysers

ETACS is the official acronym for the European project "European Testing and Assessment of Comparability of On-line Sensors/Analysers". This project has three main objectives to achieve the comparability of performance data for sensors and analysers in the environmental field. First, to develop a test protocol for validation and comparison of the performance of on-line sensors/analysers. The test protocol is intended to be generic, that is independent of the specific sensors/analysers and the specific parameters to be monitored. Second, the practical testing of this test protocol to assess its applicability and to develop the techniques used. Finally, to achieve widespread acceptance of the test protocol by producer/suppliers, users and relevant authorities to assist its early adoption as an agreed European standard. Laboratory tests for producing the test protocol have been carried out and completed to check the applicability of such a protocol.     

Chronocoulometry of tris-2,2′-bipyridine cobalt(II) and related transition metal complexes

Integrated pulse polarography and similar techniques have been used for study of reduction of bipyridine complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and partially also Fe(II) in aqueous solutions. By proper choice of pulse and detection intervals, it is possible to confirm or separate the contribution of reactant adsorption. The pulse polarography of the product reoxidation shows a finite charge transfer rate in the case of tris-2,2′-bipyridine cobalt complex.     

Analytische Aspekte der Oxydation organischer Stickstoffverbindungen mit Chromsäure. XXVIII

Zusammenfassung Die schon früher beschriebene gasvolumetrische Methode zur N-N-Gruppenbestimmung durch Oxydationsaufschluß mit Chromsäure wurde zur Bestimmung des heterocyklischen Stickstoffes in Indazolinonderivaten mit Erfolg benützt und dadurch weiter die allgemeine Anwendbarkeit der Methode bestätigt. Enthält die Substanz gleichzeitig Amino- oder Nitrogruppen, können diese aus derselben Einwaage als Ammoniak bzw. Salpetersäure bestimmt werden.

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Analytical aspects of the oxidation of organic nitrogen compounds with chromic acid

Summary The gas volumetric method for determining N-N groups by oxidative fusion with chromic acid (which has already been described previously) was successfully employed to determine the heterocyclic nitrogen in indazolinone derivatives. The general applicability of the method was thereby confirmed. If the substance contains amino or nitro groups at the same time, these can be determined in the same sample as ammonia or nitric acid.

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XXVII. Mitteilung, siehe¹.