CO laser stabilization using the optogalvanic Lamb-dip

Frequency stabilization of the CO laser using a CO lamb-dip is achieved in the range from 5.0–6.3 m. The CO saturation signal is obtained from a low-pressure discharge in absorption and is detected using optogalvanic, detection. The frequency stability and reproducibility has been verified to be better than 100 kHz; this is an improvement of more than one order of magnitude compared with locking techniques using CO laser gain profiles.Alexander von Humboldt Awardee from National Bureau of Standards, Boulder, Colorado, USA     

Analysis of the 3-dimensional electron distribution in silicon using directional Compton profile measurements

A method of reconstructing the electron momentum density (p), and its Fourier transform,B(t), from a series of directional Compton profiles is described. It is based on a double Fourier inversion technique and an expansion in lattice harmonic functions. The effect of random errors has been analysed, and the implications for the data collection discussed. We have used the reconstruction technique to obtain (p) andB(t) for silicon from six directional Compton profiles measured with 412 KeV gamma-radiation. The experimental result is in good agreement with earlier measurements and with available solid state theories. A recent Wannier function calculation for silicon using orthogonalised bond orbitals provides a useful tool for identifying the physical origins of the observed anisotropies. A comparison between the information presented in position and momentum space shows that the ease of interpretation depends upon the degree to which the various interactions give rise to localised features in each representation.     

Intramolecular electronic energy transfer via exchange interaction in bichromophoric molecules

A theory is presented for intramolecular electronic energy transfer in bichromophoric molecules. Expressions are given for the donor moiety fluorescence (phosphorescence) decay and for its fluorescence (phosphorescence) quantum yield in terms of the average distance between the donor and acceptor moieties and the donor—acceptor bridge flexibility. Comparison with available experimental data supports the predictions of the analysis.     

Multiresidue determination of fluoroquinolones in shrimp by liquid chromatography-fluorescence-mass spectrometry

An efficient multiresidue method for analysis of fluoroquinolones in shrimp has been developed in which quantitation by fluorescence and confirmation by Multiple Stage Mass Spectrometry (MS) is achieved simultaneously. In this method, shrimp tissue is extracted with ammoniacal acetonitrile and the extract is defatted and then evaporated. After dissolution in basic phosphate buffer, fluoroquinolones in the extract are separated by liquid chromatography and quantitated, taking advantage of their intense fluorescence. Eluate from the fluorescence detector enters the MS, which allows for confirmation by monitoring ratios of 2 prominent product ions in the MS3 or MS2 spectrum. Using this method, 8 fluoroquinolones have been analyzed in shrimp samples fortified at 10, 25, 50, or 100 ppb levels. Recoveries for desethyleneciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, orbifloxacin, sarafloxacin, and difloxacin ranged from 75 to 92%, with relative standard deviation values of <6%. The limits of quantitation ranged from 0.1 to 1 ng/g. Enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were also successfully determined in enrofloxacin-incurred shrimp using this method.     

Triamidoamine complexes of chromium(III) and chromium(IV)

Treatment of [CrCl3(THF)3] with slightly more than 1 equiv of Li3(N3N) [(N3N)(3-) = ((Me3SiNCH2CH2)3N)(3-)] affords the triamidoamine complex [Cr(N3N)] (1) in 75% yield. 1 is oxidized by PhICl2, CuCl2, or AgCl to give the chromium(IV) complex [Cr(N3N)Cl] (2) in moderate yields. Alternatively, complex 2 is obtained directly from [CrCl3(THF)3] in 50% yield after treatment with 0.5 equiv of Li3(N3N). Both compounds are high-spin complexes bearing three and two unpaired electrons, respectively. Their molecular structures are described revealing a trigonal monopyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometry of the chromium center, respectively.     

η-Allylpentacarbonylvanadium

The preparation of η-C₃H₅V(CO)₅ from allyl chloride and sodium hexacarbonylvanadate (–I) is reported. Composition, IR and NMR spectra are in accordance with a π-bonded C₃H₅-moiety; the preparation has been extended to give complexes with substituted allyl groups. Furthermore (1-3-η-2-butenyl)pentacarbonylvanadium can be obtained by the addition of butadiene to HV (CO)₆.     

The Role of Oxygen in the Antiviral Activity of Hypericin and Hypocrellin

The light-induced antiviral activity of hypericin and hypocrellin in the presence and absence of oxygen was examined under experimental conditions where the effect of oxygen depletion could be quantified. There was a significant reduction of light-induced antiviral activity of hypericin and hypocrellin under hypoxic conditions. Interestingly, antiviral activity of hypocrellin was not observed at low oxygen levels at which hypericin retained measurable virucidal activity. This suggests that additional pathways, such as the generation of protons from excited states of hypericin, may enhance the biological activity of activated oxygen species.