Linear flows and Morse graphs: Topological consequences in low dimensions

The main aim of this paper is to show some specific connections between linear dynamic and graphs. Precisely, the Morse decomposition of a linear flow on the Grassmannians induces a directed graph. We apply the results appearing in Ayala et al. (2006, 2005)  and  and Colonius et al. (2002) [4] and compute the associated graphs for linear flows in dimensions two and three.     

A Fitting Procedure for Magnetic Multiphase Materials Mössbauer Spectra

In this work a practical method of fitting complex multiphase Mössbauer effect spectra is proposed. The task is simplified imposing specific restrictions to the analysing functions, which are appropriate for cases where the component phases spectra do not change substantially during the process under study. The ME spectra can be analysed using the phases subspectra, by defining only a reduced number of parameters. The constraints are equivalent to assume a Doppler velocity transformation v=(v–_m)B _m0/B _m+_m0 for each phase, where _m and B _m are fitting parameters containing information on the phase mean isomer shift and hyperfine field and _m0 and B _m0 their reference values. In this manner physically meaningful results are easy to obtain. The idea was applied to partially nitrogenated R₂Fe₁₇N _x (R= Sm and Y) and partially hydrogen-decomposed Nd–Fe–B materials.     

Hyperfine characterization of Bi1.9Te0.1SrNb1.9Hf0.1O9

The Aurivillius type oxide Bi_1.9Te_0.1SrNb_1.9Hf_0.1O₉ has been studied by Perturbed Angular Correlations spectroscopy using ¹⁸¹Ta probes. The spin precession curves were measured from room temperature up to 873 K. Two sites are occupied by probes and the temperature dependence of both indicates a continuous phase transition at about 625 K. One site is ordered while the other is disordered. This situation is analyzed in terms of simple models already applied to perovskites. The transition temperature of the solid solution Bi_2−xTe_xSrNb_2−xHf_xO₉ (with 0≤x≤0.5) shows a strong dependence on composition.     

Concentration Dependence of the Electric Field Gradient in PbZr1−x Ti x O3 Ceramics

The concentration dependence of the electric field gradient (EFG) in PZT ceramics was studied by Time Differential Perturbed Angular Correlations (PAC) using the ¹⁸¹Ta radioactive probe in samples with x=0.3, 0.5 and 0.8 at room temperature. This phase presents two sites, probably related to defects close to probes, caused by oxygen and lead vacancies. We can also state that both the paraelectric and ferroelectric phases of these systems have two sites with different characteristics and that the high-frequency quadrupolar frequency site presents the highest fraction. The concentration dependence revealed by our results is discussed by comparing the latter with previous PAC studies. This revised version was published online in September 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of cetylpyridinium bromide micelles on the spectrofluorimetric characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The presence of a micellar medium of cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) causes, in relation to the aqueous medium, important bathochromic shifts in the excitation spectra of a considerable number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Furthermore, the CPB acts as a quencher, provoking inhibitions of the fluorescence intensity emitted by PAHs. The micellar inhibition factors show that, generally, the quenching affects alternant hydrocarbons to a greater extent. Some interesting relationships between the hydrocarbon structure and both the characteristic wavelengths of fluorescence spectra and the values of Deltalambda are established.     

Poly(ε-caprolactone) modified by functional groups: Preparation and chemical–physical investigation

Functionalization of polymers is a particular relevant approach in the field of biodegradable polymers, where modifications are often required to allow these materials to replace more conventional, not biodegradable polymers in a wider range of applications. This article will report on functionalization of poly(ε-caprolactone) with unsaturated monomers bearing either anhydride groups (PCL-g-(MA-GMA)) or tertiary amines (PCL-g-DMAEA), obtained through radical grafting in a Brabender mixer. Crystallization kinetics parameters have been determined with several techniques (rheology, optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry) and the results obtained are in good agreement. It was observed that the crystallization rate significantly increases in the case of the modified polymers.     

Flow analysis-hydride generation-Fourier transform infrared spectrometric determination of antimony in pharmaceuticals

In this work, a flow analysis system with hydride generation and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometric detection has been developed for the determination of antimony in pharmaceuticals. The method is based on the on-line mineralization/oxidation of the organic antimonials present in the sample and pre-reduction of Sb(V) to Sb(III) with K₂S₂O₈ and KI, respectively; prior to the stibine generation. The gaseous SbH₃ is separated from the solution in a gas phase separator, and transported by means of a nitrogen carrier into a short pathway (10 cm) IR gas cell, where the corresponding FTIR spectrum is acquired by accumulating 3 scans in a continuous mode. The 1893 cm⁻¹ band was used for the quantification of the antimony. The procedure is carried out in a closed system, which reduces sample handling and makes possible the complete automation of the antimony determination. The figures of merit of the proposed method (linear range: 0-600 mg l⁻¹, limit of detection (3σ)=0.9 mg l⁻¹, limit of quantification (10σ)=3 mg Sb l⁻¹, precision (R.S.D.) less than 1% and sample frequency=28 h⁻¹), are appropriate for the designed application. Furthermore, precise and accurate results were found for the analysis of different antimonial pharmaceutical samples, indicating that the methodology developed represents a valid alternative for the determination of antimony in pharmaceuticals, which could be suitable for the routine control analysis.