Elementary Constants Research Articles

Fast Reaction of the Prussian Blue Based Nanozyme "Artificial Peroxidase" with the Substrates: Pre-Steady-State Kinetic Approach.

This letter introduces the pre-steady-state kinetic approach, which is traditional for evaluation of elementary constants in molecular (enzyme) catalysis, for nanozymes. Apparently, the most active peroxidase-mimicking nanozyme based on catalytically synthesized Prussian Blue nanoparticles has been chosen. The elementary constants (k1) for the nanozymes' reduction by an electron-donor substrate (being the fastest stage according to steady-state kinetic data) have been determined by means of stopped-flow spectroscopy. These constants have been found to be dependent on both the size of the nanozyme and the reducing substrate redox potential. For the smallest nanozymes (32 nm in diameter), log(k1) linearly decays with an increase of the substrate redox potential (cotangent value ≈125 mV). On the contrary, for the largest nanozymes with a diameter above 150 nm, k1 is almost independent of it. Moreover, for the substrate with the lowest redox potential (K4[Fe(CN)6]), the rate constant under discussion (k1) is almost independent of the nanozymes' size. Perhaps, the rate of the intrananozyme electron transfer causing bleaching becomes comparative or even lower than that of the nanoparticle interaction with the fastest substrate. Anyway, the elementary constant of nanozyme reduction with potassium ferrocyanide (k1) reaches the value of 1 × 1010 M-1 s-1, which is 3-4 orders of magnitude faster than for enzymes peroxidases. The obtained results obviously demonstrate that the pre-steady-state kinetic approach is able to discover novel advantages of nanozymes from both fundamental and practical points of view.

On Petersson norms of generic cusp forms and special values of adjoint L -functions for GSp4

We prove an explicit formula for the Petersson norms of some normalized generic cuspidal newforms on ${\rm GSp}_4$ whose archimedean components belong to either discrete series representations or spherical principal series representations. Our formula expresses the Petersson norms in terms of special values of adjoint $L$-functions and some elementary constants depending only on local representations.

Remarkable Predictions of Classical Electrodynamics on Elementary Charge and the Energy Density of Vacuum

In a recent paper, we have studied the nature of the electromagnetic energy radiated over a single period of oscillation by an antenna working in frequency domain under ideal conditions and without losses when the oscillating charge in the antenna is reduced to the elementary charge. Here we extend and expand that study. The energy radiated by an oscillating current in an antenna occurs in bursts of duration T/2, where T is the period of oscillation. The results obtained here, based purely on classical electrodynamics, can be summarized by the inequality U ≥hv→q0 ≥e where U is the energy radiated in a single burst of duration T/2, h is the Planck constant, ν is the frequency of oscillation and q0 is the magnitude of the oscillating charge associated with the current. The condition U=hv→q0=e is obtained when the length of the antenna is equal to the ultimate Hubble radius of the universe (i.e. the maximum value of the antenna length allowed by nature) and the wavelength is equal to the Bohr radius (resulting from the smallest possible radius of the conductor allowed by nature). The ultimate Hubble radius is directly related to the vacuum energy density. The inequality obtained here is in general agreement with the one obtained in the previous study. One novel feature of this extended analysis is the discovery of an expression, in terms of the elementary charge and other atomic constants, for the vacuum energy density of the universe. This expression predicts the vacuum energy density to be about 4×10-10 J/m3 which is in reasonable agreement with the measured value of 6×10-10 J/m3.

Towards a workable model of final unification

Even though ‘String theory’ models and “quantum gravity’ models are having a strong mathematical back ground and sound physical basis, they are failing in implementing the Newtonian gravitational constant in atomic and nuclear physics and thus seem to fail in developing a ‘workable’ model of final unification. In this context, extending Abdus Salam’s old concept of ‘nuclear strong gravitational coupling’ we consider two very large pseudo gravitational constants assumed to be associated with electromagnetic and strong interactions. By combining the two microscopic pseudo gravitational constants with the Newtonian gravitational constant, we make an attempt to combine the old ‘strong gravity’ concept with ‘Newtonian gravity’ and try to understand and re-interpret the constructional features of nuclei, atoms and neutron stars in a unified approach. Finally we make a heuristic attempt to estimate the Newtonian gravitational constant from the known elementary atomic and nuclear physical constants. By exploring the possibility of incorporating the proposed two pseudo microscopic gravitational constants in current unified models, in near future, complete back ground physics can be understood and observable low energy predictions can be made.

Variation of the fundamental constants over the cosmological time: veracity of Dirac’s intriguing hypothesis

We investigate how the universal constants, including the fine structure constant, have varied since the early universe close to the Planck energy scale (EP ∼ 1019 GeV) and, thus, how they have evolved over the cosmological time related to the temperature of the expanding universe. According to a previous paper (Nassif and Amaro de Faria, Jr. Phys. Rev. D, 86, 027703 (2012). doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.86.027703), we have shown that the speed of light was much higher close to the Planck scale. In the present work, we will go further, first by showing that both the Planck constant and the electron charge were also too large in the early universe. However, we conclude that the fine structure constant (α ≅ 1/137) has remained invariant with the age and temperature of the universe, which is in agreement with laboratory tests and some observational data. Furthermore, we will obtain the divergence of the electron (or proton) mass and also the gravitational constant (G) at the Planck scale. Thus, we will be able to verify the veracity of Dirac’s belief about the existence of “coincidences” between dimensionless ratios of subatomic and cosmological quantities, leading to a variation of G with time, that is, the ratio of the electrostatic to gravitational forces between an electron and a proton (∼1041) is roughly equal to the age of the universe divided by an elementary time constant, so that the strength of gravity, as determined by G, must vary inversely with time in the approximation of lower temperature or for times very far from the early period, to compensate for the time-variation of the Hubble parameter (H ∼ t−1). In short, we will show the validity of Dirac’s hypothesis only for times very far from the early period or T ≪ TP (∼1032 K).

Effects of viscosity and osmotic stress on the reaction of human butyrylcholinesterase with cresyl saligenin phosphate, a toxicant related to aerotoxic syndrome: kinetic and molecular dynamics studies

CSP (cresyl saligenin phosphate) is an irreversible inhibitor of human BChE (butyrylcholinesterase) that has been involved in the aerotoxic syndrome. Inhibition under pseudo-first-order conditions is biphasic, reflecting a slow equilibrium between two enzyme states E and E'. The elementary constants for CSP inhibition of wild-type BChE and D70G mutant were determined by studying the dependence of inhibition kinetics on viscosity and osmotic pressure. Glycerol and sucrose were used as viscosogens. Phosphorylation by CSP is sensitive to viscosity and is thus strongly diffusion-controlled (kon≈10⁸ M⁻¹·min⁻¹). Bimolecular rate constants (ki) are about equal to kon values, making CSP one of the fastest inhibitors of BChE. Sucrose caused osmotic stress because it is excluded from the active-site gorge. This depleted the active-site gorge of water. Osmotic activation volumes, determined from the dependence of ki on osmotic pressure, showed that water in the gorge of the D70G mutant is more easily depleted than that in wild-type BChE. This demonstrates the importance of the peripheral site residue Asp⁷⁰ in controlling the active-site gorge hydration. MD simulations provided new evidence for differences in the motion of water within the gorge of wild-type and D70G enzymes. The effect of viscosogens/osmolytes provided information on the slow equilibrium E⇌E', indicating that alteration in hydration of a key catalytic residue shifts the equilibrium towards E'. MD simulations showed that glycerol molecules that substitute for water molecules in the enzyme active-site gorge induce a conformational change in the catalytic triad residue His⁴³⁸, leading to the less reactive form E'.

Real root isolation for exp–log–arctan functions

We present a real root isolation procedure for univariate functions obtained by composition and rational operations from exp , log , arctan and real constants. The procedure was first introduced for exp–log functions in Strzeboński (2008). Here we extend the procedure to exp–log–arctan functions, describe computation with elementary constants in detail and discuss the complexity of the root isolation procedure for the general exp–log–arctan case as well as for the special case of sparse polynomials. We discuss implementation of the procedure and present empirical results.

A Hierarchical Approach to Cooperativity in Macromolecular and Self-Assembling Binding Systems

The study of complex macromolecular binding systems reveals that a high number of states and processes are involved in their mechanism of action, as has become more apparent with the sophistication of the experimental techniques used. The resulting information is often difficult to interpret because of the complexity of the scheme (large size and profuse interactions, including cooperative and self-assembling interactions) and the lack of transparency that this complexity introduces into the interpretation of the indexes traditionally used to describe the binding properties. In particular, cooperative behaviour can be attributed to very different causes, such as direct chemical modification of the binding sites, conformational changes in the whole structure of the macromolecule, aggregation processes between different subunits, etc. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for the analysis of the binding properties of complex macromolecular and self-assembling systems. To quantify the binding behaviour, we use the global association quotient defined as K(c) = [occupied sites]/([free sites] L), L being the free ligand concentration. K(c) can be easily related to other measures of cooperativity (such as the Hill number or the Scatchard plot) and to the free energies involved in the binding processes at each ligand concentration. In a previous work, it was shown that K(c) could be decomposed as an average of equilibrium constants in two ways: intrinsic constants for Adair binding systems and elementary constants for the general case. In this study, we show that these two decompositions are particular cases of a more general expression, where the average is over partial association quotients, associated with subsystems from which the system is composed. We also show that if the system is split into different subsystems according to a binding hierarchy that starts from the lower, microscopic level and ends at the higher, aggregation level, the global association quotient can be decomposed following the hierarchical levels of macromolecular organisation. In this process, the partial association quotients of one level are expressed, in a recursive way, as a function of the partial quotients of the level that is immediately below, until the microscopic level is reached. As a result, the binding properties of very complex macromolecular systems can be analysed in detail, making the mechanistic explanation of their behaviour transparent. In addition, our approach provides a model-independent interpretation of the intrinsic equilibrium constants in terms of the elementary ones.

Adiabatic reaction calorimetry for data acquisition of free-radical polymerizations

This article deals with the determination of kinetic and thermodynamic data of free-radical polymerization by adiabatic reaction calorimetry. The polymerization of methyl methacrylate in solution, suspension, and emulsion were chosen as systems to be studied. From the measured temperature-time courses of the polymerizations the overall rate constants can be determined with and without gel effect. With knowledge of an appropriate mathematical model describing the kinetics of reaction it was also possible to estimate elementary reaction constants if the molecular weight distribution of the polymer formed was considered as well. The temperature rise and the self-heating rate can be modeled very well for polymerization in solution over the entire range of concentration and, in the case of polymerization in suspension and emulsion, up to a volume fraction of monomer of 20%. The modeling of molecular weight distribution of polymers produced by polymerization in solution and suspension is satisfactory. For emulsion polymerization, however, only the order of magnitude of the average molecular weight could be calculated with the model used. The average particle size of the polymer latex formed could be calculated rather well. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 673–681, 1997

Continuum and discretum—Unified field theory and elementary constants

Unitary field theories and “SUPER-GUT” theories work with an universal continuum, the structured spacetime of R. Descartes, B. Spinoza, B. Riemann, and A. Einstein, or a (Machian (1–3) ) structured vacuum according the quantum theory of unitary fields (Dirac, (4,5) and Heisenberg (6–8) ). The atomistic aspect of the substantial world is represented by the fundamental constants which are invariant against “all transformations” and which “depend on nothings” (Planck (9–11) ). A satisfactory unitary theory has to involve these constants like the mathematical numbers. Today, Planck's conception of the three elementary constants ħ, c, and G may be the key to general relativistic quantum field theory like unitary theory. However, the elementary constants are a question of measurement-theory, also. According to Popper's theory (12–16) of induction, such unitary theories are “universal explaining theories.” The fundamental constants involve the complementarity between the universal statements in unitary theory and the “basic statements” in the language of classical observables.

Kinetics of the Reaction of 2,6-Di-tert-Butylphenol with Methyl Acrylate in the Presence of Potassium 2,6-Di-tert-Butylphenolate and the Effect of Proton Donor Components on the Reaction Mechanism

Abstract The kinetic scheme of the reaction of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (ArOH) with methyl acrylate (MA) in the presence of potassium 2,6-di-tert-butylphenolate (ArOK) is proposed and elementary constants are calculated for the catalytic steps and the influence of proton donor components ArOH, H2O and CH3OH on kinetic regularities is studied. The kinetic scheme contains 30 components and involves 62 rate constants of elementary steps which were computed by the mathematical simulation method of process kinetics using a computer. The comparison was carried out for the computed and experimental data relating to the consumption rate dependence of ArOH on ArOK concentration and the concentration of proton donor components.

Kinetics of the reaction of 2,6-di- tert-butylphenol with methyl acrylate in the presence of potassium 2,6-di- tert-butylphenolate and the effect of proton donor components on the reaction mechanism

A kinetic scheme dor the reaction of 2,6-di- tert-butylphenol (ArOH) with methyl acrylate (MA) in the presence of potassium 2,6-di- tert-butylphenolate (ArOK) is proposed. Elementary constants are calculated for the catalytic steps and the influence of proton donor components, namely ArOH, H 2O and CH 3OH, on the kinetics was studied. The kinetic scheme contains 30 components and involves 62 rate constants of elementary steps which were computed by the method of mathematical simulation of the kinetics of the process. A comparison was carried out of the computed and experimental data concerning the dependence of the rate of consumption of ArOH on ArOK concentration and the concentration of proton donor components.

Elementary Constants of Nature

AbstractElementary constants of nature play a decisive role in physics, though they are not taken notice in most physical investigations, compared with the much more interesting variables: They are normally regarded as a kind of self‐evident ingredients or accessories of physical laws. However, from a more general point of view such a neglect is not justified. In this commenting paper several aspects of the occurrence, the meaning and measurement, of the origin, the character and the properties of elementary constants are discussed, as well as the use of such constants to define “natural” unit systems. The question of variability is mentioned, and finally the deep roots of fundamental constants in nature are emphasized.

Kinetic isotope effect and the presteady-state kinetics of the reaction catalyzed by the bacterial formate dehydrogenase

The primary kinetic isotope effect of the reaction catalyzed by NAD +-dependent formate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.2) from the methylotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas sp. 101 has been studied. Analysis of the ratios HV m/ DV m and H(V m/K M)/ D(V m/K M) in the pH range 6.1–7.9 showed that the transfer of hydride ion in ternary enzyme-substrate complex is a limiting step of the reaction, and the formate binding to the binary complex (formate dehydrogenase + NAD +) reached equilibrium when the pH of the medium was increased. An approach has been developed to determine the elementary constants of substrate association ( k on ) and dissociation ( k off ) at the stages of the binary-ternary enzyme-substrate complexes for the random equilibrium 2-substrate kinetic mechanism. The k on and k off values obtained for the bacterial formate dehydrogenase by using the proposed approach for NAD-were (4.8 ± 0.8) ∗ 10 5 M −1 s −1 and (90 ± 10) s −1 , and for formate (2.0 ± 1.0) ∗ 10 4 M −1 s −1 and (60 ± 20) s −1 , respectively.

The computation of 𝜋 to 29,360,000 decimal digits using Borweins’ quartically convergent algorithm

In a recent work [6], Borwein and Borwein derived a class of algorithms based on the theory of elliptic integrals that yield very rapidly convergent approximations to elementary constants. The author has implemented Borweins’ quartically convergent algorithm for 1 / π 1/\pi , using a prime modulus transform multi-precision technique, to compute over 29,360,000 digits of the decimal expansion of π \pi . The result was checked by using a different algorithm, also due to the Borweins, that converges quadratically to π \pi . These computations were performed as a system test of the Cray-2 operated by the Numerical Aerodynamical Simulation (NAS) Program at NASA Ames Research Center. The calculations were made possible by the very large memory of the Cray-2. Until recently, the largest computation of the decimal expansion of π \pi was due to Kanada and Tamura [12] of the University of Tokyo. In 1983 they computed approximately 16 million digits on a Hitachi S-810 computer. Late in 1985 Gosper [9] reported computing 17 million digits using a Symbolics workstation. Since the computation described in this paper was performed, Kanada has reported extending the computation of π \pi to over 134 million digits (January 1987). This paper describes the algorithms and techniques used in the author’s computation, both for converging to π \pi and for performing the required multi-precision arithmetic. The results of statistical analyses of the computed decimal expansion are also included.

Picosecond spectroscopy of intermolecular proton phototransfer

A study was made of intermolecular phototransfer of a proton in solutions of 3-methoxybenzanthrone in benzene and in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with toluenesulfonic acid or 3-fluoroacetic acid. The elementary constants were determined in the case of THF solutions. An analysis was made of the possibility of using proton phototransfer in construction of efficient fluorescence light concentrators and dye lasers.

Catalytic reactions on metal-supported semiconductors. Oxidation of CO over ZnO films on silver

The catalytic activity of silver-supported zinc oxide films in CO oxidation has been studied. Attention has been directed to the influence of the semiconductor–metal contact on the catalytic behaviour of the semiconductor. Auger electron spectroscopy and electron microscopy have shown the presence of zinc oxide films uniform both in thickness and composition, which were free of contaminants. The kinetics of the catalytic reaction have been studied in a gas-flow system. The results fit two rate equations leading to two possible mechanisms: one with a rate-determining step which is a reaction between adsorbed CO and adsorbed oxygen, without mutual displacement; the other which corresponds to the Eley–Rideal mechanism. Both mechanisms assume a dissociative, asymmetric, acceptor-type adsorption of the oxygen molecule, and a donor-type adsorption of the CO molecule. It has been found that the elementary constants in the rate equations for CO oxidation depend on the semiconductor film thickness. Good agreement between the experimental and the theoretical results has been found. The Schottky model, together with the rigid band model, have been used in the theoretical considerations. The Schottky barrier height for the ZnO–Ag system has been calculated using the kinetic results, and is in very good agreement with the measured values reported in the literature.

Book reviews

Abstract Magnetism and Ligand-Field Analysis. By M. Gerloch. (Cambridge University Press, 1984.) [Pp. xiii + 593.] £55.00. Scope: Treatise/Textbook. Level: For specialists only. Reviews of Infrared and Millimeter Waves, Volume 2 Optically Pumped Far-infrared Lasers. Edited by K. J. Button, M. Inguscio and F. Strumia. (Plenum Press, 1984.) [Pp. viii + 483.] $69.50. Scope: Survey. Library (reference). Level: For specialists only. Microscopy of Semiconducting Materials, 1983. Proceedings of the Institute of Physics Conference, Oxford, March 1983. Edited by A. G. Cullis, S. M. Davidson and G. R. Booker. (The Institute of Physics, 1983.) [Pp. xi + 520.] E32.00. Scope: Conference proceedings. Level: Specialist postgraduate. Staticsand Dynamics of Nonlinear Systems. Proceedings of a Workshop at the Ettore Majorana Centre, Erice, Italy, July 1983. Edited by G. Benedek, H. Bilz and R. Zeyher. (Springer-Verlag, 1984.) [Pp. viii + 31 1.] DM 75; $c. 29.10. Scope: Conference proceedings. Level: For specialists only. Glimpsing an Invisible Universe. The Emergence of X-ray Astronomy. By R. F. Hirsch.(Cambridge University Press, 1983.) [Pp. viii + 186.] L20.00. Sputtering by Particle Bombardment, 11. (Alloys and Compounds; Electron and Neutron Sputtering; Surface Topography.) Edited by R. Behrisch. (Springer-Verlag, 1983.) [Pp. xiii + 391.] DM 109; $42.50. Scope: Treatise/Textbook. Level: Specialist postgraduate. The LMTO Method. Mufin-Tin Orbitals and Electronic Structure. By H. L. Skriver. (Springer-Verlag, 1984.) [Pp. ix+281.] DM 84; $c. 32.60. Scope: Library. Level: Specialist postgraduate. Perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics. Edited by M. Jacob. (North-Holland, 1982.) [Pp. viii + 836.] Dfl 180.00; $76.50. Scope: Survey, Library (reference). Level: For specialists and Specialist postgraduates. Proceedings of a Symposium on Numerical and Physical Aspects of Aerodynamic Flows, 11.(California State University, Long Beach, January 1983.) Edited by T. Cebecci. (Springer-Verlag, 1984.) [Pp. xi+416.] DM 152; $c. 56.90. Scope: Conference proceedings. Level: For specialists and Specialist postgraduates. Physics Handbook. Second edition. Elementary Constants and Units, Tables, Formulae and Diagrams, and Mathematical Formulae. By C. Nordling and J. Österman. (Chartwell Bratt Ltd., 1983.) [Pp. 431.] £15.00 hardback; £8.90 paperback. Scope: Textbook. Level Undergraduate, School, General reader. Advances in Nuclear Physics, Volume 13. Edited by J. W. Negele and E. Vogt. (Plenum Press,1984.) [Pp. xiv + 326.] $49.50. Scope: Survey. Level: Specialist post-graduate. Atomic and Molecular Physics of Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion. Edited by C. J. Joachain and D. E. Post. (Plenum Press, 1983.) [Pp. x + 526.] $79.50. Scope: Conference Proceedings.Level: Specialist post-graduate. Rydberg States of Atoms and Molecules. Edited by R. F. Stebbings and F. B. Dunning.(Cambridge University Press, 1983.) [Pp.ix + 515.] £40.00; £79.50. Scope: Survey. Level:Specialist post-graduate. Electron Microscopy and Analysis, 1983 Proceedings of the Institute of Physics Electron Microscopy and Analysis Group Conference at the University of Surrey, August-September 1983. Edited by P. Doig. (The Institute of Physics, 1984.) [Pp. xviii+ 530.] £34.00. Scope: Conference Proceedings. Level: Specialist post-graduate. Workshop on Non-Perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics held at Oklahoma State University in March 1983. Papers edited by K. A. Milton and M. A. Samuel. (Birkhauser-Verlag, Basle, 1984.) [Pp. x + 265.] SFr 64. Scope: Conference Proceedings. Level: For specialists only. A Development of Quantum Mechanics based on Symmetry Considerations. By G. H. Duffey.(D. Reidel, Dordrecht, 1984.) [Pp. xiii + 342.] Dfl150.00. Scope: Textbook. Level: Undergraduate. Gauge Symmetries and Fibre Bundles. By A. P. Balachandran, G. Marmo, B.-S. Skagerstam and A. Stern. (Springer-Verlag, 1983.) [Pp.iv+ 140.] DM 18; $c. 7.00. Scope: Textbook. Level: For specialists only; Specialist post-graduate. Scaling and Self. Similarity in Physics. Edited by J. Fröhlich. (Birkhauser, 1983.) [Pp. vi +426.] SFr 66. Scope: Treatise. Level: For specialists only; Specialist post-graduate. Magnetic Phase Transitions, Proceedings of a Summer School at the Ettore Majorana Centre, Erice, Italy, July 1983. Edited by M. Auslcos and R. J. Elliott. (Springer-Verlag, 1983.)[Pp. vii + 269.] DM 75; $c. 29.10. Scope: Conference Proceedings. Level: For specialists only. Theory of Symmetry Changes at Continuous Phase Transitions. By J. Kocinski. (Elsevier/Polish Scientific Publications, 1983.) [Pp. viii +283.] Dfl170.00; $72.75, USA and Canada only.Scope: Treatise/Textbook. Level For specialists only. The Solar System. By Roman Smoluchowski. (Scientific American Books/W. H. Freeman,1983.) [Pp. 174 +Index.] £10.95. Scope: Treatise. Level: General reader. The Science of Musical Sound. By John R. Pierce. (Scientific American Books/W. H. Freeman, 1983.) [Pp. 150+x.] £10.95. Level: General reader. The Wave-Particle Dualism. A tribute to Louis de Broglie on his 90th Birthday. Edited by S. Diner, D. Fargue, G. Lochak and E. Selleri. (D. Reidel Publishing Co., Dordrecht, 1984.)[Pp. vii + 566.] Dfl190.00. Scope: Conference Proceedings. Level: For specialist only.

Polygons formed by random lines in a plane: some further results

Expressions are derived for the third and fourth moments of the distribution of the numbers of sides of the polygons formed by random lines in a plane. These are evaluated numerically; it seems unlikely that they can be expressed simply in terms of elementary functions or constants. Using these results, the third and fourth moments of the distribution of the perimeters of the polygons are derived.

Solution polymerization of styrene in the presence of polymeric peroxides

A kinetic study of the radical polymerization of styrene in the presence of polymeric peroxides of dibasic aliphatic acids has been carried out in 10 solvents. In the early stages the polymerization rate is scarcely dependent on the nature of the solvent in view of a combination of various solvation phenomena leading to an antibate influence of the medium on the elementary constants of peroxide decay, initiation, propagation and termination. This independence is also related to change in the initiating efficiency and to suppression of induced chain radical peroxide decay. A reduction in the order of the reaction with respect to initiator in all the media compared with its “classic” value points to primary radicals participating in termination reactions. The influence of the monomer concentration on the degree of styrene polymerization obeys a Mayo equation.