Classical solutions to a quadratically nonlinear gauge theory

We present some classical solutions to a gauge theory based on quadratically nonlinear Lie algebras without a central term. We observe that instanton-like and meron-like solutions force the internal fields to behave like solitons.     

Erratum: Synthesis and characterization of diorganotin(IV) complexes of Schiff bases with ONO‐type donors and crystal structure of [N‐(2‐hydroxy‐4‐nitrophenyl)‐3‐ethoxysalicylideneiminato]diphenyltin(IV)

The article referenced above was first published online on 30 August 2007 with incorrect pagination; the pagination has now been corrected online and in print. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of N,N‐bis(diphenylphosphino)aniline palladium(II) complexes as pre‐catalysts in Heck coupling reactions

Palladium(II) complexes with N,N‐bis(diphenylphosphino)aniline ligands catalyse the Heck reaction between styrene and aryl bromides, affording stilbenes in good yield. The structures of two of the complexes used as pre‐catalysts have been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Winding Clusters in Percolation on the Torus and the Möbius Strip

Using a simulation technique introduced recently, we study winding clusters in percolation on the torus and the Möbius strip for different aspect ratios. The asynchronous parallelization of the simulation makes very large system and sample sizes possible. Our high accuracy results are fully consistent with predictions from conformal field theory. The numerical results for the Möbius strip and the number distribution of winding clusters on the torus await theoretical explanation. To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind.     

Regional elemental signatures related to combustion of lignites

In ambient air, arsenic to selenium ratio (As/Se) is generally found to be less than 1, except in areas influenced by specific point sources, such as Cu smelters. However, the annual average of this ratio is found to be much higher than unity in Turkey. This finding is rather unique and may provide a marker for air masses influenced by the coal-related emissions in Turkey. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

High temperature stability of maghemite in partially oxidized basalt lava

Mössbauer spectroscopy of basalt lava samples, exhibiting reversible thermal magnetization (J_S-T) curves with Curie temperatures of about 580°C, has revealed considerable amounts of maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) in many samples. In view of the expected instability, of maghemite at temperatures above 350°C, this reversibility is rather surprising. Here we report Mössbauer studies on heated lava samples, showing high content of maghemite. The samples were kept at 600°C in oxidizing, reducing, and inactive atmospheres, respectively, for different lengths of time, and then analyzed with Mössbauer spectroscopy at room temperature. The Mössbauer spectra showed that maghemite is stable in the oxidizing atmosphere for at least several hours. In the inactive atmosphere a considerable amount of maghemite still exists after two hours heating. In the reducing atmosphere maghemite had transformed to magnetite after only 30 minutes.     

Portfolio optimization in stochastic markets

We consider a multiperiod mean-variance model where the model parameters change according to a stochastic market. The mean vector and covariance matrix of the random returns of risky assets all depend on the state of the market during any period where the market process is assumed to follow a Markov chain. Dynamic programming is used to solve an auxiliary problem which, in turn, gives the efficient frontier of the mean-variance formulation. An explicit expression is obtained for the efficient frontier and an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the application of the procedure.     

Pro-torus actions on Poincaré duality spaces

In this paper, it is shown that some of the results of torus actions on Poincaré duality spaces, Borel’s dimension formula and topological splitting principle to local weights, hold if ‘torus’ is replaced by ‘pro-torus’.     

Determination of Surface Functional Groups in Lignocellulosic Materials by Chemical Derivatization and ESCA Analysis

Simple and convenient methods for determining surface chemical composition of lignocellulosic materials are described. The methods are based on vapor phase fluorine surface derivatization with either trifluoro acetic anhydride (TFAA), tri-fluoro ethanol (TFE) or pentafluorophenyl hydrazine (PFPH) and subsequent Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA). Model cellulosic surfaces with well defined functionalities were used to optimize the derivatization reaction conditions. Detection and accessibility of surface hydroxyl functional groups were investigated in cotton and regenerated cellulose as models. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used as a model surface for detection and quantification of carboxylic acid groups. Theoretical conversion curves for derivatization reactions were calculated and used to evaluate the extent of the reactions on the model surfaces. It was found that the conversion was higher for the regenerated cellulose and CMC than for cotton. The protocols developed using the model surfaces were applied to a case study on wood fibers with different degrees of complexity, namely dissolving and chemithermomechanical (CTMP) pulp. Untreated and oxygen-plasma modified pulps were compared with respect to the surface composition of functional groups. According to the derivatization reactions, functionalities containing oxygen were significantly increased on the plasma-treated samples. The effect of the treatment was found to be dependent on the type of pulp. Fluorine derivatization is shown to be an unambiguous method for clear assessment of the chemical functionalities of cellulosic surfaces.