Winding Numbers and Average Frequencies in Phase Oscillator Networks

We study networks of coupled phase oscillators and show that network architecture can force relations between average frequencies of the oscillators. The main tool of our analysis is the coupled cell theory developed by Stewart, Golubitsky, Pivato, and Torok, which provides precise relations between network architecture and the corresponding class of ODEs in R^M and gives conditions for the flow-invariance of certain polydiagonal subspaces for all coupled systems with a given network architecture. The theory generalizes the notion of fixed-point subspaces for subgroups of network symmetries and directly extends to networks of coupled phase oscillators. For systems of coupled phase oscillators (but not generally for ODEs in R^M, where M ≥ 2), invariant polydiagonal subsets of codimension one arise naturally and strongly restrict the network dynamics. We say that two oscillators i and j coevolve if the polydiagonal θ_i = θ_j is flow-invariant, and show that the average frequencies of these oscillators must be equal. Given a network architecture, it is shown that coupled cell theory provides a direct way of testing how coevolving oscillators form collections with closely related dynamics. We give a generalization of these results to synchronous clusters of phase oscillators using quotient networks, and discuss implications for networks of spiking cells and those connected through buffers that implement coupling dynamics.     

Determination of L-Dopa and L-Dopamine in Aqueous Solutions Using In-Loop SPME Coupled with LC

A new in-loop solid-phase microextraction (in-loop-SPME) technique, based on an aluminum capillary tube coupled to HPLC, is described for on-line isolation, concentration, and analysis of analytes from aqueous samples. L-Dopa and L-dopamine, in aqueous solutions, were selected as model compounds. The main conditions affecting extraction of the analytes from aqueous samples, desorption, injection, and chromatographic separation were investigated. The method is simple and reproducible. Using the proposed method, reliable determination of L-dopa and L-dopamine at parts-per-billion concentrations was achieved. The calibration plots were linear in the range of 2.5–1500 ng mL⁻¹ with correlation coefficients of 0.999 and 0.998 for L-dopa and L-dopamine, respectively. The detection limits were 0.5–1 ng mL⁻¹ with a relative standard deviation less than 4.1%. Concentration factors more than 100-fold were obtained for these compounds.     

Biamperometric neutralisation titrations in non-aqueous solvents applying tin electrode pair for the end-point detection

Summary Tertiary amines and salts of organic acids in acetic anhydride with 5% of acetic acid were titrated applying a biamperometric indicating system consisting of a polarised or unpolarised pair of tin electrodes by means of 0.1 N perchloric acid in glacial acetic acid. Amounts of 15.4–29.8 mg were analysed with average deviations of <0.6%, the results obtained being in a good agreement with those of potentiometry. The biamperometric end-point detection using an indicating system of polarised pair of tin electrodes can be applied for coulometric determinations of these bases with satisfying accuracy. By means of anodic generation of hydrogen ions in the presence of hydroquinone amounts of 0.5–1.0 mg were titrated with average deviations of < 1.3%. The results obtained were compared with those obtained of catalytic thermometric and photometric titrations.

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Biamperometrische Neutralisationstitrationen in nichtwärigen Lösungsmitteln unter Anwendung eines Zinn-Elektrodenpaares als Indicatorsystem

Zusammenfassung Tertiäre Amine und Salze organischer Säuren werden in Acetanhydrid mit 5% Essigsäure durch Titration mit einer 0,1 N Lösung von Perchlorsäure in Essigsäure bestimmt. Das verwendete biamperometrische Indicatorsystem besteht aus einem Paar polarisierter oder nichtpolarisierter Zinnelektroden. Mengen von 15,4–29,8 mg wurden mit einer mittleren Abweichung von <0,6% analysiert. Die Ergebnisse stimmen gut mit denen von potentiometrischen Titrationen überein. Die biamperometrische Endpunkttechnik mit polarisierten Zinnelektroden kann für coulometrische Bestimmungen dieser Basen mit zufriedenstellender Genauigkeit benutzt werden. Durch anodische Erzeugung von Wasserstoffionen in Gegenwart von Hydrochinon wurden Mengen von 0,5–1,0 mg mit einer mittleren Abweichung von < 1,3% titriert. Die Ergebnisse wurden mit denen von katalytisch-thermometrischen und photometrischen Titrationen verglichen.

     

Influence of the reduction of iodate ion by hydrogen peroxide on the model of the Bray-Liebhafsky reaction

The reduction of iodate ion by hydrogen peroxide, originally postulated by Liebhafsky, is considered as a possible step in the kinetic model proposed by Kolar-Ani and G. Schmitz for the overall Bray-Liebhafsky oscillatory process.     

Correlation of unified retention indices for OV-101 and squalane

Summary Gas chromatographic unified retention indices for 43 hydrocarbons (alkanes and cycloalkanes) are given for squalane and OV-101. Comparison of these values and unified retention index increments are presented as linear regression equations with high correlation coefficients and acceptable standard deviations.     

Characterization of antithrombin III from human plasma by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and capillary electrophoretic methods

The isoforms distribution of the glycoprotein antithrombin III (ATIII) derived from human plasma was investigated by means of isoelectric focusing (IEF) in polyacrylamide gels with immobilized pH gradients (IPG) and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) as well as capillary electrophoretic methods. It turned out that the presence of high concentrations of chaotropics (urea, thiourea) and zwitterionic detergents (3-[(3-cholamidepropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS)) was decisive for attaining good resolution of the protein isoforms. Resolution by IPG-IEF was obtained with excellent reproducibility and pI differences down to 0.01 pH units could be distinguished. ATIII-alpha and ATIII-beta-fractions preseparated by heparin affinity chromatography showed an analogous but shifted spot pattern consisting each of one major and three minor isoforms. The main isoforms of ATIII-alpha and ATIII-beta exhibit pI values of 5.18 and 5.32, respectively, both values determined in the presence of high concentrations of urea. The pI difference of 0.14 pH units correspond to the effect of two sialic acids absent in ATIII-beta. The formation and occurrence of ATIII dimers and trimers turned out to be dependent on the sample preparation. The results obtained by 2-DE were compared with those of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and capillary IEF (CIEF). Quantitative analysis regarding the CZE separated isoforms of plasma derived ATIII yielded a content of about 70% ATIII-alpha main isoform and about 6.6% of ATIII-beta. The pI values of ATIII determined by CIEF with internal calibration were in fair agreement with the pI values of the main isoforms achieved with 2-DE.     

The effect of electrochemically treated glassy carbon on the activity of supported Pt catalyst in methanol oxidation

Effect of electrochemical oxidation of glassy carbon on deposition of platinum particles and electrocatalytic activity of platinum supported on oxidized glassy carbon (Pt/GC_OX) were studied for methanol oxidation in H₂SO₄ solution. Platinum was potentiostatically deposited from H₂SO₄ + H₂PtCl₆ solution. Glassy carbon was anodically polarised in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ at 2.25 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE) during 35 s. Electrochemical treatment of GC support, affecting not significantly the real Pt surface area, leads to a better distribution of platinum on the substrate and has remarkable effect on the activity. The activity of the Pt/GC_OX electrode for methanol oxidation is larger than polycrystalline Pt and for more than one order of magnitude larger than Pt/GC electrode. This increase in activity indicates the pronounced role of organic residues of GC support on the properties of Pt particles deposited on glassy carbon.     

Activation of the radical-promoted conversion of light hydrocarbons by the products of a rich methane flame

The feasibility of the production of ethylene and heavier olefins by introducing methane into the products of a rich methane flame is experimentally demonstrated. Such a process is promising for the direct production of ethylene, propylene, and heavier olefins directly from methane, the main component of natural gas.     

Green pH- and magnetic-responsive hybrid hydrogels based on poly(methacrylic acid) and Eucalyptus wood nanocellulose for controlled release of ibuprofen

Cellulose - pH- and magnetic-sensitive hybrid hydrogels based on poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA), nanocellulose (NC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and magnetite particles (MN) were prepared as...