Monte Carlo integration on GPU

We use a graphics processing unit (GPU) for fast computations of Monte Carlo integrations. Two widely used Monte Carlo integration programs, VEGAS and BASES, are parallelized for running on a GPU. By using W ⁺ plus multi-gluon production processes at LHC, we test the integrated cross sections and execution time for programs written in FORTRAN and running in the CPU and those running on a GPU. The integrated results agree with each other within statistical errors. The programs run about 50 times faster on the GPU than on the CPU.     

Pre-evaluation of metal ions as a catalyst on chemiluminometric sequential injection analysis with luminol-H2O2 system

Catalytic effect of metal ions on luminol chemiluminescence (CL) was investigated by sequential injection analysis (SIA). The SIA system was set up with two solenoid micropumps, an eight-port selection valve, and a photosensor module with a fountain-type chemiluminescence cell. The SIA system was controlled and the CL signals were collected by a LabVIEW program. Aqueous solutions of luminol, H₂O₂, and a sample solution containing metal ion were sequentially aspirated to the holding coil, and the zones were immediately propelled to the detection cell. After optimizing the parameters using 1 × 10⁻⁵ M Fe³⁺ solution, catalytic effect of some metal species was compared. Among 16 metal species examined, relatively strong CL responses were obtained with Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, VO²⁺, VO₃⁻, MnO₄⁻, Co²⁺, and Cu²⁺. The limits of detection by the present SIA system were comparable to FIA systems. Permanganate ion showed the highest CL sensitivity among the metal species examined; the calibration graph for MnO₄⁻ was linear at the concentration level of 10⁻⁸ M and the limit of detection for MnO₄⁻ was 4.0 × 10⁻¹⁰ M (S/N = 3).     

Resonant photoemission and Ta 5p core reflectance spectra of 1T- and 2H-TaSe2

Reflectance spectra of 2H- and 1T-TaSe₂ have been measured at room temperature in the region between 20 and 60 eV. The multiplet structures in the Ta 5p core excitation region are analyzed on the localized excitation model. The ultraviolet photoemission spectra have revealed a resonant enhancement of the Ta 5d and Se 4p valence bands for the excitation of the Ta 5p core states. The difference of the multiplet structures as well as of the resonant behavior between 1T- and 2H-polytypes has elucidated the hybridization of the Se 4p states with the Ta 5d states in the valence bands of TaSe₂.     

Localized modes of Li and Na impurities in silver halides

The absorption bands due to the infrared-active localized modes of Li and Na substitutional impurity in AgBr and of Li in AgCl are studied at 2 K. The isotope effects of the localized modes are observed in AgBr: Li and AgCl: Li systems. The high frequency sidebands of the Li⁶ localized mode in AgBr are also measured.     

Synthesis of 1-benzothiepine and 1-benzazepine derivatives as orally active CCR5 antagonists

Quaternary ammonium benzocycloheptene compound 1 has previously been reported as a clinical candidate for an injectable CCR5 antagonist. In order to develop an orally active CCR5 antagonist, derivatives of tertiary amine benzocycloheptene 2, the chemical precursor to 1, were investigated. The benzocycloheptene ring was converted to benzothiepine and benzazepine rings and it was found that these changes could enhance the potency of tertiary amine derivatives. In particular, the 1-benzothiepine-1,1-dioxide 11b and the N-methyl-1-benzazepine 18 showed increased activity and good preliminary pharmacokinetic properties. The synthesis of 1-benzothiepine and 1-benzazepine derivatives and their activity are described.     

Reflectance spectrum of lithium hydride at the Li K-absorption edge

Reflectance spectra of LiH single crystals are measured at the Li⁺K- absorption edge for the first time. The ?₂ spectrum shows a prominent peak at 57.8 eV followed by several structures at the high energy side. We attribute the peak to a transition from the Li⁺ 1s to the n = 1 core exciton state associated with the p-like conduction band.     

Anion conformation of low-viscosity room-temperature ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide

Anion conformation of a low-viscosity room-temperature ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide (EMI+FSI-) has been studied by Raman spectra and theoretical DFT calculations. Three strong Raman bands were found at 293, 328, and 360 cm(-1), which are ascribed to the FSI- ion. These Raman bands show significant temperature dependence, implying that two FSI- conformers coexist in equilibrium. This is supported by theoretical calculations that the FSI- ion is present as either C2 (trans) or C1 (cis) conformer; the former gives the global minimum, and the latter has a higher SCF energy of about 4 kJ mol(-1). Full geometry optimizations followed by normal frequency analyses show that the observed bands at 293, 328, and 360 cm(-1) are ascribed to the C2 conformer. The corresponding vibrations at 305, 320, and 353 cm(-1) were extracted according to deconvolution of the observed Raman bands in the range280-400 cm(-1 )and are ascribed to the C1 conformer. The enthalpy DeltaH degrees of conformational change from C2 to C1 was experimentally evaluated to be ca. 4.5 kJ mol(-1), which is in good agreement with the predicted value by theoretical calculations. The bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide anion (TFSI-) shows a conformational equilibrium between C1 and C2 analogues (DeltaH degrees = 3.5 kJ mol(-1)). However, the profile of the potential energy surface of the conformational change for FSI- (the F-S-N-S dihedral angle) is significantly different from that for TFSI- (the C-S-N-S dihedral angle).     

Alkali metal and alkali metal hydroxide intercalates of 2s-tantalum disulfide

The alkali metal intercalates of the layered compound 2s-tantalum disulfide were prepared from the respective hexamethylphosphoric triamide solutions of the metals. The c-lattice parameters of the intercalates increased with increase in the crystallographic radii of the metals. All intercalates prepared were superconductors, and the transition temperatures increased as the crystallographic radii of the metals became larger. The intercalates reacted with water to produce hydrogen gas and changed to different intercalates. These had properties similar to those of the corresponding alkali metal hydroxide intercalates prepared from aqueous solutions of the metal hydroxides. The alkali metal hydroxide intercalates, on the other hand, were found to be classified into two groups in terms of the c-lattice parameters; one having c-lattice parameters around 23.8 Å and the other 18 Å. Lithium and sodium hydroxide intercalates belong to the former type, and potassium, rubidium and cesium hydroxide intercalates, including ammonium hydroxide, to the latter. Dried lithium and sodium hydroxide intercalates were also classified in the latter group. In the former case the disulfide was found to intercalate the cations, conserving the ice-like structure of the surrounding water molecules. In the latter, the cations were intercalated in their naked or primary hydrated states, and the interlayer distances were governed by cointercalated hydroxide ions. The observed superconducting transition temperatures were similar for the intercalates with c-lattice parameters around 18 Å irrespective of the particular cation.