The Metamodel in Simulation Analysis: Can It Be Trusted?

The use of a mathematical metamodel such as a regression model, constructed from simulation data and used to aid in the analysis of the simulated system, has been studied in recent years. For practitioners, the vast benefits of establishing a functional relationship among the variables in an unfamiliar and complex simulated system may be largely overshadowed by the concern that the metamodel, being a strongly data-based technique, may be valid only for the one particular set of simulation-generated data that went into it, which is to say not valid at all. Based on a study of 30 simulation experiments using three different simulation models, the authors conclude that the simulation metamodel is a reliable and valid technique to use in post-simulation analysis, and is probably just as good as the simulation model on which it is based.     

On the gearing of methyl groups in hexamethylbenzene

Empirical force field calculations were performed on hexamethylbenzene to elucidate the internal motions of the methyl groups. When the benzene ring is constrained to be planar (as in solid-phase studies), the methyl groups undergo a geared, disrotatory motion. When this constraint is relaxed, results are force field dependent. Calculated barriers are in good agreement with experimentally determined values.     

Tidy Noether lattices

A Noether lattice satisfying the union condition on primes which is not a domain and in which every nonzero principal element is integrally closed is characterized in terms of its direct summands. It is shown that either: (1) if has no proper nonzero direct summands, then every nonzero principal element of is integrally closed if and only if is a local Noether lattice whose maximal element is principal and has square zero; or (2) if has a proper nonzero direct summand, then every nonzero principal element of is integrally closed if and only if for each minimal direct summandA of, the quotient lattice [0,A] is an integrally closed domain.Presented by R. P. Dilworth.     

Efficient formulation of the stochastic simulation algorithm for chemically reacting systems

In this paper we examine the different formulations of Gillespie's stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA) [D. Gillespie, J. Phys. Chem. 81, 2340 (1977)] with respect to computational efficiency, and propose an optimization to improve the efficiency of the direct method. Based on careful timing studies and an analysis of the time-consuming operations, we conclude that for most practical problems the optimized direct method is the most efficient formulation of SSA. This is in contrast to the widely held belief that Gibson and Bruck's next reaction method [M. Gibson and J. Bruck, J. Phys. Chem. A 104, 1876 (2000)] is the best way to implement the SSA for large systems. Our analysis explains the source of the discrepancy.     

C-C bond insertion of a complexed phosphinidene into 1,6-methano[10]annulene

Reaction of electrophilic phosphinidene complex [MePW(CO)5] with 1,6-methano-[10]annulene results in the sole formation of the isomeric C-C insertion products 6 c (main) and 6 d (minor). The single-crystal X-ray structure of the complexed 1,7-methano-3-phospha[11]annulene (6 c) shows a syn-W(CO)5 group at the exo bent phosphorus. The structure displays C-C bond alternation without bonding between the bridgehead carbon atoms. Density functional theory calculations indicate 6 c to result from a concerted disrotatory ring opening of an undetected tricyclic exo-syn phosphirane intermediate. The endo-anti phosphirane cannot undergo ring expansion, due to the high barrier that is associated with an intramolecular antara-antara retro Diels-Alder reaction. The stabilizing effect of transition-metal coordination is discussed.     

The ring-opening of an unsymmetrical tetrahedral intermediate - 2-hydroxy-1,3-oxathiolane

Ab initio calculations were performed on 2-hydroxy-1,3-oxathiolane: and the two products of its breakdown: Complete geometry optimizations were performed at minimal (STO-3G) and split-valence (3-21G) basis set levels. In addition, a single point calculation was performed at 6-31G* level withd orbitals added on sulfur only. The conformation of the oxathiolane intermediate and its stability relative to the breakdown products was investigated. The STO-3G basis set gave an envelope form while 3-21G gave the twist form of the five-membered ring as the most stable. For all three basis sets the ester product was more stable than thioester.     

Detection of paralytic shellfish poison by rapid cell bioassay: antagonism of voltage-gated sodium channel active toxins in vitro

Although cytotoxicity assays provide several advantages over mouse bioassays, sodium channel-blocking marine toxins, such as those associated with paralytic shellfish poison (PSP), require prolonged incubation periods of 24-48 h. This is in marked contrast to in vitro detection of sodium channel-enhancing marine toxins such as ciguatoxins or brevetoxins which can be accomplished in as few as 4-6 h. We developed a modified PSP cell bioassay that is as rapid as in vitro methods for sodium channel-enhancing toxins. The cell bioassay is based on a saxitoxin-dependent antagonism of the rapid in vitro effects of brevetoxin or ciguatoxin. Comparative analysis of naturally incurred PSP residues by both antagonism cell bioassay and the mouse bioassay demonstrated significant correlation. The simplicity, sensitivity, and enhanced kinetics of the new antagonism cell bioassay format provide the basis for development of a practical alternative to conventional mouse testing for PSP.     

Artificial photosynthetic reaction centers: mimicking sequential electron and triplet-energy transfer.

An artificial photosynthetic reaction center consisting of a carotenoid (C), a dimesitylporphyrin (P), and a bis(heptafluoropropyl)porphyrin (P(F)), C-P-P(F) , and the related triad in which the central porphyrin has been metalated to give C-P(Zn)-P(F) have been synthesized and characterized by transient spectroscopy. These triads are models for amphipathic triads having a carboxylate group attached to the P(F) moiety; they are designed to carry out redox processes across lipid bilayers. Triad C-P-P(F) undergoes rapid singlet-singlet energy transfer between the porphyrin moieties, so that their excited states are in equilibrium. In benzonitrile, photoinduced electron transfer from the first excited singlet state of P and hole transfer from the first excited singlet state of P(F) yield the initial charge-separated state C-P(.) (+)-P(F) (.) (-). Subsequent hole transfer to the carotenoid moiety generates the final charge-separated state C(.) (+)-P-P(F) (.) (-), which has a lifetime of 1.1 mus and is formed with a quantum yield of 0.24. In triad C-P(Zn)-P(F) energy transfer from the P(Zn) excited singlet to the P(F) moiety yields C-P(Zn)-(1)P(F) . A series of electron-transfer reactions analogous to those observed in C-P-P(F) generates C(.) (+)-P(Zn)-P(F) (.) (-), which has a lifetime of 750 ns and is formed with a quantum yield of 0.25. Flash photolysis experiments in liposomes containing an amphipathic version of C-P(Zn)-P(F) demonstrate that the added driving force for photoinduced electron transfer in the metalated triad is useful for promoting electron transfer in the low-dielectric environment of artificial biological membranes. In argon-saturated toluene solutions of C-P-P(F) and C-P(Zn)-P(F) , charge separation is not observed and a considerable yield of triplet species is generated upon excitation of the porphyrin moieties. In both triads triplet energy localized in the P(F) moiety is channeled to the carotenoid chromophore by a triplet energy-transfer relay mechanism. Certain photophysical characteristics of these triads, including the sequential electron transfer and the triplet energy-transfer relay mechanism, are reminiscent of those observed in natural reaction centers of photosynthetic bacteria.     

Computer aided processing of laser microprobe mass spectra

This article describes the development and subsequent application of a computer aided method, based on the library search strategy, for the interpretation of laser microprobe mass analysis (LAMMA) spectra. Such a routine is essential whenever huge amounts of spectra are needed to obtain relevant results, as e.g. in environmental research. The main handicap for a straightforward automation is the poor reproducibility of the analytical technique.     

Sulfur Spillover on Carbon Materials and Possible Impacts on Metal–Sulfur Batteries

There is currently intense research on sulfur/carbon composite materials as positive electrodes for rechargeable batteries. Such composites are commonly prepared by ball milling or (melt/solution) impregnation to achieve intimate contact between both elements with the hope to improve battery performance. Herein, we report that sulfur shows an unexpected “spillover” effect when in contact with porous carbon materials under ambient conditions. When sulfur and porous carbon are gently mixed in a 1:1 mass ratio, complete surface coverage takes place within just a few days along with the loss of the sulfur bulk properties (crystallinity, melting point, Raman signals). Sulfur spillover also occurs in the presence of a liquid phase. Consequences of this phenomenon are discussed by considering a sodium–sulfur cell with a solid electrolyte membrane.