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Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry -     

Root-Mean-Square Amplitude of Zero-Point Vibrations in a Crystal

Russian Physics Journal - The paper shows that the values of zero-point energy and vibrations of atoms in a crystal determined by the uncertainty principle, depend on the dynamic response of atoms....     

Transition-Metal Catalysis of Triene 6π Electrocyclization: The π-Complexation Strategy Realized

Triene 6π electrocyclization, wherein a conjugated triene undergoes a concerted stereospecific cycloisomerization to a cyclohexadiene, is a reaction of great historical and practical significance. In order to circumvent limitations imposed by the normally harsh reaction conditions, chemists have long sought to develop catalytic variants based upon the activating power of metal–alkene coordination. Herein, we demonstrate the first successful implementation of such a strategy by utilizing [(C₅H₅)Ru(NCMe)₃]PF₆ as a precatalyst for the disrotatory 6π electrocyclization of highly substituted trienes that are resistant to thermal cyclization. Mechanistic and computational studies implicate hexahapto transition-metal coordination as responsible for lowering the energetic barrier to ring closure. This work establishes a foundation for the development of new catalysts for stereoselective electrocyclizations.     

Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy Study of the Change in the Free-Electron Density in Thin Superconducting NbN Films under Ion-Beam Irradiation

The change in the free-electron density in ultrathin (5 nm) superconducting NbN films in the initial state and after irradiation by O⁺ ions to doses of (0.1–0.9) × 10¹⁷ cm^–2 has been studied by electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). The analysis has been performed on cross section samples prepared by the focused ion beam method, using plasmon oscillations with energies up to 50 eV. The radiation-induced replacement of nitrogen atoms with oxygen atoms in niobium nitride is found to change the electrical properties of the material, which leads to a decrease in the free-electron density with an increase in the irradiation dose.     

Complex Study of the Spearhead Superficial Crust from Burial Mound no. 1 near Novosvobodnaya Village

A complex study of a spearhead dated back to IV mill. BC from burial mound no. 1 near Novosvobodnaya village (collection of the State Historical Museum) and, in particular, the material of spearhead superficial crust has been performed. The elemental and phase composition of the metal of spearhead and the superficial crust on its surface have been determined by scanning electron microscopy, jointly with energydispersive X-ray microanalysis and X-ray phase analysis. A comparative analysis of the results of studying the spearhead superficial crust and similar crusts on other artifacts from the mounds near Novosvobodnaya village suggest natural origin of the crust on copper?arsenic artifacts.