Topology and geometry of nematic braids

Topological analysis of disclinations in nematic liquid crystals is an interesting and diverse topic that goes from strict mathematical theorems to applications in elaborate systems found in experiments and numerical simulations. The theory of nematic disclinations is shown from both the geometric and topological perspectives. Entangled disclination line networks are analyzed based on their shape and the behavior of their cross section. Methods of differential geometry are applied to derive topological results from reduced geometric information. For nematic braids, systems of −1/2 disclination loops, created by inclusion of homeotropic colloidal particles, a formalism of rewiring is constructed, allowing comparison and construction of an entire set of different conformations. The disclination lines are described as ribbons and a new topological invariant, the self-linking number, is introduced. The analysis is generalized from a constant −1/2 profile to general profile variations, while retaining the geometric treatment. The workings of presented topological statements are demonstrated on simple models of entangled nematic colloids, estimating the margins of theoretical assumptions made in the formal derivations, and reviewing the behavior of the disclinations not only under topological, but also under free-energy driven constraints.     

Development of metallocomplex amino acids synthons for the asymmetric preparation of α-amino acids by stereoselective introduction of a side chain. Evaluation of the model asymmetric preparation of alanine and β-13C monolabelled α-aminoisobutyric acid

In this communication the evaluation of eleven new metallocomplex alanine synthons bearing C₂-symmetric benzyl groups with electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents is described. α-Methylated glycine synthons (alanine complexes) were evaluated alongside alanine synthons in order to obtain a deeper understanding of the relationship between their structures and stereochemistry of monoalkylated products and to choose several candidates for their further tests for stereospecific preparation of 6-[¹⁸F]FDOPA. Glycine-derived analogues of the complexes 3–5 are the best candidates for the development of a 6-[¹⁸F]FDOPA preparation procedure. In the model epimerisation reaction they demonstrated the best performance, much better compared to the previously described compound 2. Complexes 3, 5 and 8 are the best in asymmetric preparation of β-¹³C monolabelled α-aminoisobutyric acid. They have to be tested in the preparation of α-methyl amino acids like 6-[¹⁸F]-α-methylDOPA and 2-[¹⁸F]-α-methyltyrosine.     

Detection of bisphenol A using a novel surface plasmon resonance biosensor

We present a compact surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for the detection of bisphenol A (BpA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical. The biosensor is based on an SPR sensor platform (SPRCD) and the binding inhibition detection format. The detection of BpA in PBS and wastewater was performed at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 1,000 ng/ml. The limit of detection for BpA in PBS and wastewater was estimated to be 0.08 and 0.14 ng/ml, respectively. It was also demonstrated that the biosensor can be regenerated for repeated use. Results achieved with the SPR biosensor are compared with those obtained using ELISA and HPLC methods.     

Multielement standards in routine reactor neutron activation analysis

The application of multielement standards (MES) in routine neutron activation analysis brings a whole range of advantages. This paper deals with the experience obtained during many years of application of these MES. Nine of these MES contain a total of 50 elements in suitable combinations and concentrations; thus, the determination of most of the common elements by NAA can be carried out simultaneously. This refers to the following elements: Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sb, Te, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Hf, W, Re, Au, Hg, Th and U. For the determination of the remaining elements such as Zr, Ta, Ir etc., single element standards (SES) are used.     

Formale Redoxpotentiale einiger Aminophenoxazone

Zusammenfassung Mit Hilfe von Gemischen wurden die formalen Redoxpotentials einiger einfacher Aminophenoxazone-(3) und 2-substituierter Gallocyaninmethylesterderivate (Prune) mit den Substituenten — NH-C₆H₄X [X = H, CH₃, OCH₃, OH, NH₂, N(C₂H₅)₂] in 50%iger Äthanollösung mit einer konstanten Ionenstärke in der Abhängigkeit vom pu bei 25° C gemessen.Die auf p_H=0 extrapolierten Potentiale stehen mit den Hammetschen -Konstanten in guter Korrelation.

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Summary With the aid of mixtures the formal redox potentials of several simple aminophenoxazones-(3) and 2-substituted gallocyaninmethylester derivates (Prunes) with the substituents -NH-C₆H₄X [X = H, CH₃, OCH₃, OH, NH₂, N(C₂H₅)₂] were measured in 50% ethanol solution with a constant ionic strength with respect to the dependence of pn at 25° C. The potentials extrapolated to pn = 0 are in good correlation with the Hammet -constants.

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Wir danken Herrn Ing.Z. Stránský C. Sc. für wertvolle Erinnerungen bei der Interpretation der Ergebnisse.     

Heat Capacities of Hydroxy and Aminoderivatives of Benzene

Heat capacities in the liquid phase C ^l of methylbenzeneamines and heat capacities in the solid phase C ^s of benzenediols and of 4-methylbenzeneamine were measured by commercial Setaram heat conduction and power compensated calorimeters. Results obtained cover the following temperature range (depending on the compound and state of aggregation): 2-methylbenzeneamine 313 to 371 K, 3-methylbenzeneamine 263 to 371 K, 4-methylbenzeneamine 133 to 353 K, 1,2-benzenediol 153 to 353 K, 1,3-benzenediol 173 to 353 K, 1,4-benzenediol 133 to 403 K. The heat capacity data obtained in this work were merged with experimental data from literature, critically assessed and sets of recommended data were developed by correlating selected data as a function of temperature. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.