On the variational representation of solutions to some quasilinear equations and systems of hyperbolic type on the basis of potential theory

We demonstrate a method that permits to obtain generalized solutions for some quasilinear equations and systems of hyperbolic type. The corresponding variational principle is constructed using the theory of equilibrium of a potential in an external field. Dedicated to the memory of B. M. Levitan Supported by RFBR grants Nos. 05-01-00522 and NSh-1551.2003.1, by Program No. 1 of the Branch of Mathematics, Russian Academy of Sciences, and by INTAS project No. 03-51-6637.     

Advantages of NIR radiation use for optical determination of skin horny layer thickness with embedded TiO2 nanoparticles during tape stripping procedure

The tape stripping technique is an experimental method frequently used for reconstruction of the in-depth distribution of various topically administered substances within the horny layer of human skin, e.g., compounds contained in sunscreens. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (25–200 nm in diameter) are one such compound. Optical techniques which apply blue light are found to be suitable for reconstruction. However, the presence of particles affects the light propagation within the skin and therefore causes incorrect determination of strip thickness, leading to an improper reconstructed distribution of nanoparticle concentration revealed from the experimental data. This study evaluates the errors emerging from the use of blue (400 nm) and NIR (800 nm) radiation and finds the use of longer wavelength light more advantageous. Particles of different diameters are considered, and it is revealed that the application of small particles (25–60 nm) results in the lowest rate of error.     

Direct C–H arylation of 3-methoxythiophene catalyzed by Pd. Application to a more efficient synthesis of π-alkoxy-oligothiophene derivatives

The direct regioselective C–H arylation of 3-methoxythiophene and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) was performed successfully under ‘Heck-type’ experimental conditions. This novel synthetic methodology has been used to prepare in a more simple way a series of oligothiophenes interesting for the electronic industry to build new synthetic organic materials.     

Standard enthalpy of formation of La2CoO4(cr)

The enthalpies of reactions of La₂CoO₄(cr) and CoCl₂(cr) with hydrochloric acid were measured with an isothermal-jacket calorimeter. The results obtained and the available literature data were used to calculate the standard enthalpy of formation of La₂CoO₄(cr) at 298.15 K, Δ_f H ^o = ?2179 ± 7 kJ/mol.     

Damped waves in a cylinder shadow

The sound field in the region of a deep shadow behind an impedance cylinder is analyzed for the case of plane wave diffraction by the cylinder surface. The main part of the field is represented by a cylindrical wave that has a complex index determined from the boundary conditions and decays with the angular coordinate. An expression for the amplitude of this wave is determined by extracting it from the total field formed in the shadow region. It is demonstrated that this wave approximates more closely the total field behind the cylinder, as compared to the least damped wave in the field representation obtained on the basis of the Watson transform. A way to improve the sound barriers is indicated.     

The study and applications of photochemical-dynamical gravity wave model I

A two-dimensional, nonlinear, compressible, diabatic, nonhydrostatic photochemical-dynamical gravity wave model has been advanced. The model includes diabetic process produced by photochemistry and the effect of gravity wave on atmospheric chemical species. In the horizontal direction, the pseudospectral method is used. The finite difference approximations are used in vertical direction z and time t. The FICE method is used to solve the model. The model results on small amplitude fluctuation are very close to those of linear theory, which demonstrates the correctness of the model.

     

A study of formation of solid ionic conductors in the mixed system (CdI2)b[(Ag2O)·(CrO3)]100-b (20≤b≤80)

Using Wagner's polarization technique and EMF method the joinic and silver ionic transport number measurements of various compositions of the mixed system CdI₂-Ag₂O-CrO₃ have been made. The presence of AgI in these materials has been inferred from the typical β → α phase transition of AgI, which is characterized by an endothermic peak at around 420 K in the DSC traces of these specimens. While the structural analysis performed by means of powder X-ray diffraction has revealed the formation of ionic phases involving polycrystalline compounds, the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic results have indicated the presence of ionic species thus confirming the ionic nature of the products. The complex impedance studies carried out in the frequency range 20 Hz - 1 MHz and over the temperature range 294 – 442 K have revealed that the best conducting composition, namely 55%(CdI₂) – 45%(Ag₂O·CrO₃), would exhibit a silver ionic conductivity of 1.3×10⁻⁵Scm⁻¹ at 294 K.     

Portable and Automatic Mössbauer Analysis

A portable Mössbauer spectrometer, developed for extraterrestrial applications, opens up new industrial applications of MBS. But for industrial applications, an available tool for fast data analysis is also required, and it should be easy to handle. The analysis of Mössbauer spectra and their parameters is a barrier for the popularity of this wide-applicable spectroscopic technique in industry. Based on experience, the analysis of a Mössbauer spectrum is time-consuming and requires the dedication of a specialist. However, the analysis of Mössbauer spectra, from the fitting to the identification of the sample phases, can be faster using by genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks. Industrial applications are very specific ones and the data analysis can be performed using these algorithms. In combination with an automatic analysis, the Mössbauer spectrometer can be used as a probe instrument which covers the main industrial needs for an on-line monitoring of its products, processes and case studies. Some of these real industrial applications will be discussed.