46 research outputs found
Theory of the NO+CO surface reaction model
We derive a pair approximation (PA) for the NO+CO model with instantaneous
reactions. For both the triangular and square lattices, the PA, derived here
using a simpler approach, yields a phase diagram with an active state for
CO-fractions y in the interval y_1 < y < y_2, with a continuous (discontinuous)
phase transition to a poisoned state at y_1 (y_2). This is in qualitative
agreement with simulation for the triangular lattice, where our theory gives a
rather accurate prediction for y_2. To obtain the correct phase diagram for the
square lattice, i.e., no active state, we reformulate the PA using sublattices.
The (formerly) active regime is then replaced by a poisoned state with broken
symmetry (unequal sub- lattice coverages), as observed recently by Kortluke et
al. [Chem. Phys. Lett. 275, 85 (1997)]. In contrast with their approach, in
which the active state persists, although reduced in extent, we report here the
first qualitatively correct theory of the NO+CO model on the square lattice.
Surface diffusion of nitrogen can lead to an active state in this case. In one
dimension, the PA predicts that diffusion is required for the existence of an
active state.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figure
Oscillations and dynamics in a two-dimensional prey-predator system
Using Monte Carlo simulations we study two-dimensional prey-predator systems.
Measuring the variance of densities of prey and predators on the triangular
lattice and on the lattice with eight neighbours, we conclude that temporal
oscillations of these densities vanish in the thermodynamic limit. This result
suggests that such oscillations do not exist in two-dimensional models, at
least when driven by local dynamics. Depending on the control parameter, the
model could be either in an active or in an absorbing phase, which are
separated by the critical point. The critical behaviour of this model is
studied using the dynamical Monte Carlo method. This model has two dynamically
nonsymmetric absorbing states. In principle both absorbing states can be used
for the analysis of the critical point. However, dynamical simulations which
start from the unstable absorbing state suffer from metastable-like effects,
which sometimes renders the method inefficient.Comment: 7 eps figures, Phys.Rev.E - in pres
Maturation of membrane-bound hydrogenase of Alcaligenes eutrophus H16.
The formation of the catalytically active membrane-bound hydrogenase (MBH) of Alcaligenes eutrophus H16 requires the genes for the small and large subunits of the enzyme (hoxK and hoxG, respectively) and an accompanying set of accessory genes (C. Kortl ke, K. Horstmann, E. Schwartz, M. Rohde, R. Binsack, and B. Friedrich, J. Bacteriol. 174:6277-6289, 1992). Other genes located in the adjacent pleiotropic region are also required. In the absence of these genes, MBH is synthesized but is catalytically inactive. Immunological analyses revealed that cells containing active MBH produced the small and large subunits of the enzyme in two distinct conformations each; only one of each, presumably the immature form, occurred in cells devoid of MBH activity. The results suggest that the conversion of the two subunits into the catalytically active membrane-associated heterodimer depends on specific maturation processes mediated by hox genes