Nucleation and collapse of scroll rings in excitable media

We describe a novel nucleation mechanism of scroll rings in three-dimensional reaction-diffusion systems with anomalous dispersion. The vortices form after the collision of two spherical wave fronts from a third, trailing wave that only partially annihilates in the wake of its predecessor. Depending on the relative positions of the three relevant wave sources, one obtains untwisted or twisted scroll rings. The formation of both vortex structures is demonstrated for a modified Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction.     

The Berman conjecture is true for nilpotent extensions of regular semigroups

No Abstract.  .     

Particles and strings in six-dimensional (2, 0) theory

In 1995, we learned of the rather surprising existence of a completely new class of quantum theories in six space–time dimensions with (2,0) superconformal symmetry. Some important reasons to study these theories are: (i) Finding the right conceptual framework to define them is a very challenging problem, that will probably take a long time to solve. It is likely to involve new interesting mathematical structures with connections in particular to algebra and geometry. (ii) They give rise to certain Yang–Mills theories with maximally extended supersymmetry upon compactification on a two-torus. This may be a way to find an S-dual formulation of these lower dimensional theories. (iii) They arise within string/M-theory as decoupled subsectors localized on certain space–time impurities such as branes or singularities. (This is in fact how these theories were first discovered (see Witten, hep-th/9507121).) This may provide an opportunity to study aspects of these higher dimensional theories without having to deal with the conceptual subtleties of quantum gravity. To cite this article: M. Henningson, C. R. Physique 5 (2004).

Résumé

En 1995, l'existence plutôt surprenante d'une classe complètement nouvelle de théories quantiques en dimensions six avec symétrie superconforme (2,0) a été découverte. Quelques-unes des raisons pour les étudier sont : (i) Trouver le cadre conceptuel correct pour les définir est un challenge qui prendra probablement beaucoup de temps. Il est probable que ce cadre introduira de nouvelles structures mathématiques ayant en particulier des liens avec l'algèbre et la géométrie. (ii) Elles donnent lieu à des théories de Yang–Mills avec une supersymétrie étendue maximale après compactification sur un tore bidimensionnel. Cela pourrait permettre de trouver une formulation S-duale de ces théories en dimension inférieure. (iii) Elles interviennent en théorie M et cordes à travers un sous-secteur découplé localisé sur certaines impuretés de l'espace-temps, comme des branes ou singularités. (C'est en fait ainsi que ces théories ont à l'origine été découvertes (voir Witten, hep-th/9507121).) Ceci pourrait être l'occasion pour étudier des aspects de ces théories en dimension supérieure, sans avoir à faire avec les subtilités conceptuelles de la gravité quantique. Pour citer cet article : M. Henningson, C. R. Physique 5 (2004).     

First asymmetric synthesis of the cyclohexanone subunit of baconipyrones A and B. Revision of its structure

[reaction: see text] An asymmetric synthesis of the 3,5-dihydroxycyclohexanone subunit of baconipyrones A and B, as well as that of the hydroxydiketone subunit of baconipyrones C and D ((-)-(4S,6S)-4,6-dimethyl-5-hydroxynonan-3,7-dione), is described. Key steps include sulfur dioxide-induced additions of enoxysilanes to 1,3-dioxy-1,3-dienes, followed by retro-ene desulfitations (retro-ene elimination of SO(2)).     

The detection of oxygen in organic compounds with potassium tetrathiocyanato-cobaltate(II)

A new micro or Semimicro test for detection of oxygen in organic compounds is based on the blue colour given on treatment with a solid potassium thiocyanatocobaltate reagent. The test was checked with ca. 500 compounds containing various functional groups; very few anomalous reactions were observed.     

Bonding energetics in alkaline metal alkoxides and phenoxides

The bonding energetics in a variety of alkaline metal, alkoxides and phenoxides, MOR, was investigated based on the corresponding enthalpies of formation in the crystalline state determined by reaction-solution calorimetry. The results obtained at 298.15 K were as follows: Delta(f)H(m)(o)(MOR, cr)/kJ mol(-1) = 382.7+/-1.4 (LiOC(6)H(5)), 513.6+/-2.5 (NaO-nC(6)H(13)), 326.4+/-1.4 (NaOC(6)H(5)), 375.2+/-3.4 (KOCH(3)), 434.5+/-2.7 (KOC(2)H(5)), 467.1+/-5.2 (KO-nC(3)H(7)), 459.3+/-2.1 (KO-nC(4)H(9)), 464.6+/-5.7 (KO-tC(4)H(9)), 464.3+/-2.5 (KO-nC(6)H(13)), 333.3+/-3.1 (KOC(6)H(5)), 380.6+/-2.9 (RbOCH(3)), 434.1+/-2.9 (RbOC(2)H(5)), 345.3+/-2.9 (LiOC(6)H(5)), 379.1+/-3.0 (CsOCH(3)), 432.3+/-3.1 (CsOC(2)H(5)), 466.9+/-5.0 (CsO-nC(3)H(7)), 461.3+/-3.5 (CsO-nC(4)H(9)), 461.9+/-2.5 (CsO-tC(4)H(9)), 349.2+/-1.4 (CsOC(6)H(5)). These results together with revised Delta(f)H(m)(o)(MOR, cr) values from the literature, were used to derive a consistent set of lattice energies for the MOR compounds and discuss general trends in the structure-energetics relationship based on the Kapustinskii equation.     

Recombination luminescence mechanisms in Ba3(PO4)2

The effect of hole self-trapping in Ba₃(PO₄)₂ at low temperatures has been studied. The TSL peak at 135 K is due to hole delocalization and diffusion by thermally activated hopping between perfect lattice sites, resulting in a composite uv band, corresponding to the tunneling recombination of holes with localized electrons.     

Absorption spectra of disordered solid tetracene and pentacene

Absorption spectra of tetracene and pentacene layers prepared by vapor deposition onto cooled substrates were measured as a function of sample formation temperature T_f, evaporation rate and recording temperature. Profile-analysis indicates that the main absorption peak is of gaussian shape. The width varies between 300 cm^?1 and 650 cm^?1, higher values referring to lower formation temperatures and/or higher evaporation rates and reflecting larger fluctuation of the site-energies. Appearance of a second electronic band equivalent to the upper Davydov component in the crystal spectrum indicates presence of short-range order. The low-energy behavior is dominated by a structural defect. No Urbacht-tail is observed. It is concluded that tetracene and pentacene layers represent examples for intermediate structural disorder.