Generalized Bosbach states: part I

States have been introduced on commutative and non-commutative algebras of fuzzy logics as functions defined on these algebras with values in [0,1]. Starting from the observation that in the definition of Bosbach states there intervenes the standard MV-algebra structure of [0,1], in this paper we introduce Bosbach states defined on residuated lattices with values in residuated lattices. We are led to two types of generalized Bosbach states, with distinct behaviours. Properties of generalized states are useful for the development of an algebraic theory of probabilistic models for non-commutative fuzzy logics.     

Weakly hyperbolic equations with non-analytic coefficients and lower order terms

In this paper we consider weakly hyperbolic equations of higher orders in arbitrary dimensions with time-dependent coefficients and lower order terms. We prove the Gevrey well-posedness of the Cauchy problem under $C^k$ -regularity of coefficients of the principal part and natural Levi conditions on lower order terms which may be only continuous. In the case of analytic coefficients in the principal part we establish the $C^\infty $ well-posedness. The proofs are based on using the quasi-symmetriser for the corresponding companion system and inductions on the order of equation and on the frequency regions. The main novelty compared to the existing literature is the possibility to include lower order terms to the equation (which have been untreatable until now in these problems) as well as considering any space dimensions. We also give results on the ultradistributional and distributional well-posedness of the problem, and we look at new effects for equations with discontinuous lower order terms.     

Nitrogen‐Doped Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Supported Bimetallic PtCo Nanoparticles for Upgrading of Biophenolics

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is an attractive route for the upgrading of bio‐oils produced from lignocellulose. Current catalysts require harsh conditions to effect HDO, decreasing the process efficiency in terms of energy and carbon balance. Herein we report a novel and facile method for synthesizing bimetallic PtCo nanoparticle catalysts (ca. 1.5 nm) highly dispersed in the framework of nitrogen‐doped ordered mesoporous carbon (NOMC) for this reaction. We demonstrate that NOMC with either 2D hexagonal (p6m) or 3D cubic (Im m) structure can be easily synthesized by simply adjusting the polymerization temperature. We also demonstrate that PtCo/NOMC (metal loading: Pt 9.90 wt %; Co 3.31 wt %) is a highly effective catalyst for HDO of phenolic compounds and “real‐world” biomass‐derived phenolic streams. In the presence of PtCo/NOMC, full deoxygenation of phenolic compounds and a biomass‐derived phenolic stream is achieved under conditions of low severity.     

Bromo­di­methyl(N‐methyl­pyrrolidin‐2‐one‐O)­tin(IV)‐di‐μ‐bromo‐bromo­di­methyl­tin(IV)

The preparation and X‐ray analysis of the title compound, [Sn₂Br₄(CH₃)₄(C₅H₉NO)], are described. The compound contains two Sn atoms in the asymmetric unit, that complexed by N‐methyl­pyrrolidin‐2‐one being hexacoordinated (a), the other exhibiting pentacoordination (b). The most important features are three different Sn—Br bond lengths at both Sn atoms with the following values: (a) 2.5060 (9), 2.7152 (10) and 3.7118 (10) Å; (b) 2.5084 (10), 2.5279 (9) and 3.5841 (10) Å.     

Hydrolysis of (CH3)3Sn+ in Various Salt Media

The hydrolysis of trimethyltin(IV) has been studied by potentiometry (H⁺ -glass electrode) and calorimetry in various salt media (NaNO₃, NaCl, KCl, Na₂SO₄, and NaNO₃—NaCl mixtures). The effect of ionic strength on the hydrolysis constants is accounted for by a simple Debye–Hückel type equation and by Pitzer equations. The results allow us to obtain H for hydrolysis and the temperature dependence of the Pitzer parameters. The resulting coefficients can be used to examine the speciation of (CH₃)₃Sn⁺ in multicomponent electrolyte solutions, such as natural waters, over a wide range of temperature and ionic strength.     

Self-assembled nanocages for hydrophilic guest molecules

Reverse polymeric micelles are obtained following the association of polymeric amphiphiles in apolar media. To this date, reports of pharmaceutical applications for such micelles have been scarce, mainly because these systems have been studied in solvents that are not suitable for medical use. Here, alkylated star-shaped poly(glycerol methacrylate) polymers have been proposed in the design of oil-soluble reverse polymeric micelles. Micellar behavior was studied in various apolar solvents, including ethyl oleate, a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. The polymers were shown to assemble into spherical nanostructures (<40 nm) as determined by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies. Interestingly, the reverse micelles were able to encapsulate various peptides/proteins (vasopressin, myoglobin, and albumin) in substantial amounts and facilitate their solubilization in oil. The nature of both the polymer used in micelle formation and the guest molecules was found to influence the ability of the micelle to interact with hydrophilic compounds.     

Xanthophyll-cycle dependence of the energy transfer between carotenoid dark states and chlorophylls in NPQ mutants of living plants and in LHC II

The Car S₁ → Chl energy transfer efficiency, Φ_Transfer, in xanthophyll-cycle mutants of living plants and LHC II was investigated by selective Car S₁ two-photon excitation. Before high-light illumination Φ_Transfer, of the violaxanthin deficient mutant npq2 is 30% smaller than the corresponding value for wild type plants. For the zeaxanthin deficient mutant, npq1, Φ_Transfer is 30% larger. Wild type Arabidopsis thaliana is the only variant which is capable of a light-dependent decrease of up to 40% and complete recovery to the original Φ_Transfer values. In contrast, Φ_Transfer remains constant during dark adaptation in both mutants. Surprisingly, changes in Φ_Transfer of LHC II preparations were less than 5% only, when substituting violaxanthin by zeaxanthin.     

Coexisting lamellar phases in water-oil-surfactant systems induced by the addition of an amphiphilic block copolymer

We report here a pioneering study using quadrupolar splitting NMR to detect new phases and phase compositions in the quasi-ternary microemulsion system water-decane-C(10)E(4)/PEP5-PEO5. The striking observation is that at certain compositions the polymer is apparently no longer incorporated into the membranes of the lamellar phase due to space restrictions. The polymer therefore induces a phase separation into two different lamellar phases L(alpha)(1) and L(alpha)(2) such that it fits into L(alpha)(1) while the excess surfactant forms a polymer-free L(alpha)(2) phase.     

Application of high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detection and mass spectrometry to the analysis of characteristic compounds in various essential oils

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was established using an analytical reversed-phase column and gradient elution to achieve chromatographic separation of typical compounds in essential oils. For detection, a diode array detector monitoring different wavelengths simultaneously as well as a mass spectrometer (MS) were used. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization operating in the positive mode turned out to be a suitable tool to detect volatiles of different chemical classes and to identify them in essential oil matrices. Characteristic fingerprints of eucalyptus, lavender, may chang, pine, rosemary, thyme, and turpentine essential oils monitored at a representative wavelength (220 nm) demonstrated the suitability of HPLC in essential oil analysis. Additional monitoring wavelengths (210, 250, and 280 nm) provided useful information about the identity of the specific component and opened the possibility to differentiate presumably coeluting compounds by means of their distinct absorption behavior. Finally, peak assignment in seven essential oils was performed on the basis of characteristic retention times and UV and MS data of a broad set of reference volatiles.