Effect of conformational heterogeneity on excitation energy transfer efficiency in directly meso-meso linked Zn(II) porphyrin arrays

We have investigated the overall excitation energy relaxation dynamics in linear porphyrin arrays as well as the energy transport phenomena by attaching an energy acceptor to one end of a linear porphyrin array by using steady state and time-resolved spectroscopic measurements. We have revealed that the solvation dynamics as well as the conformational dynamics contributes significantly to the energy relaxation processes of linear porphyrin arrays. Consequently, long porphyrin arrays no longer serve as good energy transmission elements in donor-acceptor linked systems due to conformational heterogeneities which provide the non-radiative deactivation channels as energy quenchers.     

Pi-conjugated dendrimers based on bis(enediynyl)benzene units

We have synthesized a new family of pi-conjugated dendrimers that are based on bis(enediynyl)benzene units by using both divergent and convergent approaches. The compounds at all three generations have strong bluish-green fluorescence, especially the third-generation dendrimer, which has the highest extinction coefficient and quantum efficiency in this series. [structure: see text]     

A novel synthesis of 5-functionalized oxazolidin-2-ones from enantiomerically pure 2-substituted N-[(R)-(+)-alpha-methylbenzyl]aziridines

5-Funtionalized enantiomerically pure oxazolidin-2-ones were prepared in one pot from commercially available chiral aziridines bearing an electron-withdrawing group at C-2 with retention of the configuration in high yields by regioselective aziridine ring-opening followed by intramolecular cyclization.     

Enantiospecific synthesis of carbapentostatins

In this paper we describe enantioselective syntheses of (+)-carbapentostatin (8) and its cyclopentyl analogue 12b. A new and efficient one-pot, two-step preparation of aldehyde 15 has been developed, based on the borane reduction of N-Pf-protected L-aspartic acid gamma-methyl ester (13) and Swern oxidation of the resulting alcohol. Homologation to diester 18 and ring formation by Dieckman cyclization, followed by reduction and dehydration steps, afford the 4-amino-1-cyclopentenemethanol derivative 22. Hydroboration and oxidation transform this compound stereospecifically into aminocyclopentanol 26, the key aminocyclitol component for an asymmetric synthesis of (+)-carbapentostatin.     

The identification of tyre induced vehicle interior noise

Sound transmission into a vehicle is classified as either airborne or structure borne sound. From the point view of noise control, the reduction of noise transferred by different paths requires different solutions. Coherence function analysis is often used to identify transmission paths. However it can be difficult to separate the airborne from structure borne components. The principle of acoustic reciprocity offers a convenient method for overcoming this difficulty. The principal states that the transfer function between an acoustic volume velocity source and an acoustic receiver is independent of a reversal of the position of source and receiver. The work done on this study involves exciting a stationary tyre and measuring the surface velocity of the tyre at a number of discrete points. The acoustic transfer functions between each point on the tyre and a receiver point are measured reciprocally. Two sets of measurements are then combined to yield a measure of the sound pressure due to a point force on the tyre via the acoustic transmission path only. This technique also provides information on the relative contributions of various regions of the tyre wall to the resultant noise. Also the sound radiation characteristics, the horn effect, and resonance at the wheel housing are identified through the reciprocal measurement.     

Fine competition and control among argentophilic,electrostatic, and π···π interactions in a molecular chair structure

The reaction of AgX (X⁻ = NO₃ ⁻, ClO₄ ⁻, or CF₃SO₃ ⁻) with 1,3-bis(3-pyridyl)tetramethyldisiloxane (L) at room temperature affords 20-membered metallacyclodimers, [Ag(L)]₂(X)₂. For the macrocyclodimer, fine competition among argentophilic, electrostatic, and π···π interaction exists. The macrocyclodimer is a unique molecular chair that tunes a transannular argentophilic interaction via the bite size of the counteranions. In order to reversibly control the argentophilic interaction, anion exchange has been accomplished. The anion exchangeability depends on the water solubility rather than the electrostatic interaction between silver(I) and anions.     

Directing Polymorphism in the Helical Nanofilament Phase

Herein, it is reported that the polymorphism in the helical nanofilament (HNF, B₄) liquid-crystalline phase depends on the fabrication methods, that is, UV-driven formation and template-assisted self-assembly in the nanoconfined geometry. As a result, uniaxially oriented HNFs with different helical structures were obtained, in which generation of the twisted-ribbon and cylindrical-ribbon polymorphs showed that even the molecular lattice has a different orientation. The detailed structures were directly observed by SEM and grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction with synchrotron radiation. The resultant polymorphs could be used in chiro-optical applications due to the capability for fine control of the helical structures.     

The impact of investment lags on investment decision

This paper suggests a valuation framework for an investment project through the concept of real options. Generally, in real asset world, decision time and its payment time are not identical. This so-called investment lag problem should be considered when valuing real assets. When investment lags exist, firms’ accommodation capacities play important roles. In this paper, the real effect of investment lag on investment value is tested upon various conditions. We show the valuation process of real assets under the risk-neutral world. The closed-form formula is also provided for valuing real assets, including R&D project.