Isotopic production cross sections of residues in reactions induced by relativistic heavy ions with protons and deuterons

The isotopic production cross sections of heavy residues in relativistic heavy-ion collisions have been investigated in inverse kinematics. The primary reaction products were fully identified in mass and atomic number prior to beta decay using the fragment separator FRS. The huge collection of data obtained helps in the understanding of the two main reaction mechanisms involved: fragmentation and fission. These data provide basic information for future radioactive ion beam facilities and for technical applications like intense neutron sources by means of spallation targets.     

Beyond Cartesian limits: Leibniz's passage from algebraic to “transcendental” mathematics

This article deals with Leibniz's reception of Descartes' “geometry.” Leibnizian mathematics was based on five fundamental notions: calculus, characteristic, art of invention, method, and freedom. On the basis of methodological considerations Leibniz criticized Descartes' restriction of geometry to objects that could be given in terms of algebraic (i.e., finite) equations: “Descartes's mind was the limit of science.” The failure of algebra to solve equations of higher degree led Leibniz to develop linear algebra, and the failure of algebra to deal with transcendental problems led him to conceive of a science of the infinite. Hence Leibniz reconstructed the mathematical corpus, created new (transcendental) notions, and redefined known notions (equality, exactness, construction), thus establishing “a veritable complement of algebra for the transcendentals”: infinite equations, i.e., infinite series, became inestimable tools of mathematical research.     

Efficient indirect electrochemical in-situ regeneration of nadh:electrochemically driven enzymatic reduction of pyruvate catalyzed by d-ldh

Using [Cp(Me)₅Rh(bipy)C1]C1 (1) as redox catalyst for the continous NADH regeneration it was possible to perform an electrochemically driven enzymatic reduction of pyruvate to D-lactate catalyzed by D-LDH at a rate of 5 turnovers per hour. This is by a factor of 20 faster than the best results obtained until now. Current yields of 50 to 70 % may be obtained.     

Synthesis and characterization of a semiflexible liquid crystalline polyester with a broad nematic region

In this paper, we report on the synthesis and detailed characterization of a new semiflexible nematic liquid crystalline polyester which could serve as a 'model' polyester for a variety of physical and physico-chemical investigations. The polymer is a nematic liquid over a wide temperature range-from the glass transition temperature at ∼95°C to the isotropic transition at ∼240°C. We expect this polyester to be particularly useful for studying the effect of flow on the orientation of liquid crystalline polymers, as well as the production and removal of disclinations.     

Behavior of iodododecane in nuclear fuel reprocessing

By simulation experiments with a 10^–5 mol/l solution of iodododecane labeled with¹³¹I in n-dodecane the influence of various materials and conditions, which are possible in nuclear fuel reprocessing, has been investigated. The formation of decomposition products was detected via HPLC with a radioactivity monitor. By means of²⁵²Cf plasma-desorption mass spectrometry (PDMS) the decomposition products were identified. It was found that a temperature of 100°C favored the formation of iodoalkanes with chain lengths of C₁ to C₁₁. The presence of TBP(tri-n-butyl-phosphate) accelerated the decomposition of iodododecane. In pure TBP only iodobutane was formed as a decomposition product.     

Octahedral metallo-mesogens of chromium, molybdenum and tungsten with 1,4,7-trisubstituted 1,4,7-triazacyclononane and three carbonyl groups as ligands

Liquid crystalline complexes with chromium, molybdenum and with tungsten as metallic centres are reported. 1,4,7-Trisubstituted 1,4,7-triazacyclononane and three carbonyl groups are coordinated in an octahedral geometry. The observed mesophases are characterized as disordered rectangular columnar of a pyramidic type.