Linear Combinations of Generalized Crank Nicolson Schemes

The combination of two or more generalized Crank Nicolson schemesin order to obtain second, third and fourth order accurate discretizationsin time is considered. Particular attention is given to thestability properties of the methods proposed.     

Self-synchronization of populations of nonlinear oscillators in the thermodynamic limit

A population of identical nonlinear oscillators, subject to random forces and coupled via a mean-field interaction, is studied in the thermodynamic limit. The model presents a nonequilibrium phase transition from a stationary to a time-periodic probability density. Below the transition line, the population of oscillators is in a quiescent state with order parameter equal to zero. Above the transition line, there is a state of collective rhythmicity characterized by a time-periodic behavior of the order parameter and all moments of the probability distribution. The information entropy of the ensemble is a constant both below and above the critical line. Analytical and numerical analyses of the model are provided.     

Analytical properties of 2,2′-bis (di-2-pyridinyl-methylene)-thiocarbohydrazone

The synthesis and analytical properties of 2,2′-bis (di-2-pyridinyl-methylene)-thiocarbohydrazone are described. The solubility, spectral characteristics, and pK values are reported, as well as the absorptivity and stoichiometric ratio of metal chelates formed.     

Breath figures method to control the topography and the functionality of polymeric surfaces in porous films and microspheres

Polymeric films with porous structures and microsphere patterns were prepared by the method of breath figures, mixing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and amphiphilic copolymers containing glucose moieties in their structure, glycopolymers. Statistical and block glycopolymers were used in a proportion of 10 wt %. The statistical glycopolymers were synthesized via conventional free radical copolymerization, whereas the block copolymer of methyl methacrylate and 2‐{[(D ‐glucosamin‐2‐Nyl) carbonyl]oxy}ethyl methacrylate, PMMA‐b‐PHEMAGl, was obtained by atom transfer radical polymerization. Glycopolymers were blended with a high molecular weight PMMA matrix and dissolved in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran and a small amount of water. Results showed that, depending on experimental conditions (water content, humidity, and type of copolymer), the observed final film morphology changes significantly. Thus, films with honeycomb pattern structures, spherical particles, or a mixture of both were obtained. In addition, polar glucose moieties were oriented principally either inside of the pores in the case of films and towards the surface in the case of particles. The specific surface bioactivity of these materials was examined using the specific lectin concanavalin A conjugated with fluorescein, Con A‐FITC. The successful binding of the Con A was demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy being more intense at the surface of the pores and of the particles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Determination of di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate in environmental samples by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry

Di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) was determined in environmental samples such as water and soil. DEHP was extracted from water samples using SPE, whereas for soils pressurized liquid extraction was applied as extraction method, using hexane/acetone (1:1, v/v) as extractant solvent. The use of HPLC coupled to MS provides the basis of the selective determination of DEHP in the analyzed samples. The extraction procedures were validated and good results were found. Recoveries were ranged from 86.0 to 99.8% with RSD lower than 18% and LODs were 0.02 mg/kg and 0.03 μg/L for soils and water, respectively. Finally, the optimized methods were applied to the analysis of real samples and DEHP was not found above the LOQ (0.05 mg/kg) in soil samples whereas it was detected in water samples at concentrations ranging between 0.19 to 0.88 μg/L.