Orienteering for electioneering

In this paper, we introduce a combinatorial optimization problem that models the investment decision a political candidate faces when treating his or her opponents’ campaign plans as given. Our formulation accounts for both the time cost of traveling between districts and the time expended while campaigning within districts. We describe a polynomial-time algorithm that computes a $(2+?)$-approximation to the optimal solution of a discrete version of our problem by reducing the problem to another combinatorial optimization problem known as Orienteering.     

The ab initio neglect of differential diatomic overlap method

The ab initio Neglect of Differential Diatomic Overlap (N.D.D.O.) method of Roby is tested numerically for an extensive series of molecules. Agreement with the full ab initio molecular orbital method is poor. Total energies are more negative and dipole moments are overestimated. The failings of the N.D.D.O. method are accounted for using multipole-multipole expansions.     

Selective fluorescent PET sensing of fluoride (F) using naphthalimide-thiourea and -urea conjugates

The thiourea and urea functionalised 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide sensors 1-3, based on the fluorophore-spacer-receptor principle, were synthesised in high yield in three steps. The sensors were shown to signal selectively the detection of fluoride in the fluorescence emission spectrum in DMSO. On all occasions the emission was quenched due to enhanced photoinduced electron transfer quenching (PET) from the receptor to the excited state of the fluorophore upon recognition of F⁻, particularly for the thiourea sensors 1 and 2. In comparison, the changes in the absorption spectra were minor for all three, even after the addition of 80-100 equiv of F⁻. The sensing of acetate or dihydrogenphosphate gave rise to only ∼5-20% quenching.     

Thermogravimetric Evidence of Nickel or Copper Isomorphously Substituted into a Zeolite

The synthesis of pure silica ZSM-5 has been modified to produce highly crystalline material in the protonated form, necessary for catalytic activity, directly from a low water fluoride gel. Tetrahedrally co-ordinated divalent species of nickel and copper have been synthesised as salts of large organic cations and increasing mole fractions incorporated into the zeolite gels. The products have been analysed and characterised using simultaneous thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG). The thermal decomposition under nitrogen of the metal associated cations, tetraethylammonium (TEA⁺), occluded within the zeolite channels is indicative and characteristic of the incorporation of heteroatoms into the zeolite framework. Anomalous losses in the systems can be explained by Jahn–Teller distortions. The mass losses increased with increased metal loading and were consistent with those reported in full water system, analysis also confirmed that the material was hydrophobic and thermally stable. Analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) has confirmed the reliability of TG-DTG as a diagnostic tool. The maximum levels of substitution achieved were (mass%) Ni 3.93 and Cu 4.38. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Rational Points on the Sphere

Using only basic tools from the theory of modular forms, the rational points of bounded height on the sphere are counted and shown to be uniformly distributed. The more difficult case of points with a given height is also treated.     

The amazing story of semiconductor surface structures

A brief indication of the history of the determination and prediction of the structure of semiconductor surfaces is given. Only clean surfaces are considered, although adsorbate structures exhibit analogous features. Many of these surfaces are reconstructed, i.e., the symmetry of their surface structure is lower than that of the corresponding bulk lattice plane. During the 1980s and 1990s, the detailed atomic geometries of many of these structures were determined. They exhibit a wide variety of atomic motifs, many of which are not familiar from either small molecule geometries or solid state structures. Theoretical predictions exist for a few of the most heavily studied structures, but even in these cases not all the details of the structures are accepted. The enormous literature on this topic can be comprehended by recognizing that the surface regions of semiconductors constitute a new class of two dimensional chemical compounds, restricted by the requirement that they fit epitaxically on the bulk crystalline substrate. Five principles govern the formation of these compounds for clean tetrahedrally coordinated semiconductors, guiding even a novice to a rudimentary understanding of the origin of the observed rich variety of surface structures. In the case of the cleavage surfaces additional scaling laws are satisfied which further buttress the concept that these surfaces are two dimensional compounds governed by coordination chemistry considerations which are distinct from those appropriate for either molecules or bulk solids.     

The potassium disulphate-potassium sulphate, silver chloride-potassium chloride electrochemical cell

The fused salt electrochemical cell: Ag; AgCl, KC1; K(2)S(2),O(7),K(2)SO(4); O(2), Pt has been studied. Exact thermodynamic treatment of the chemical reaction, which occurs when current is drawn from the cell, is possible because K(2)S(2)O(7)(1) and AgCl(1) are immiscible, so that no junction potential occurs. Potentials observed at temperatures ranging from 700-800 degrees K for six different mixtures are reported. The Nernst equation is obeyed if it is assumed that the potassium disulphate-potassium sulphate system behaves ideally and that the silver chloride-potassium chloride system deviates slightly, negatively, from ideality. The thermodynamic functions, DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees have been calculated from the corrected values of E degrees obtained. The free energy change follows the equation: DeltaG(700-800 degrees K) degrees = -71,680-29.50 T cal mole .