The Observer in the Quantum Experiment

A goal of most interpretations of quantum mechanics is to avoid the apparent intrusion of the observer into the measurement process. Such intrusion is usually seen to arise because observation somehow selects a single actuality from among the many possibilities represented by the wavefunction. The issue is typically treated in terms of the mathematical formulation of the quantum theory. We attempt to address a different manifestation of the quantum measurement problem in a theory-neutral manner. With a version of the two-slit experiment, we demonstrate that an enigma arises directly from the results of experiments. Assuming that no observable physical phenomena exist beyond those predicted by the theory, we argue that no interpretation of the quantum theory can avoid a measurement problem involving the observer.     

Solving the maximum edge weight clique problem via unconstrained quadratic programming

The unconstrained quadratic binary program (UQP) is proving to be a successful modeling and solution framework for a variety of combinatorial optimization problems. Experience reported in the literature with several problem classes has demonstrated that this approach works surprisingly well in terms of solution quality and computational times, often rivaling and sometimes surpassing more traditional methods. In this paper we report on the application of UQP to the maximum edge-weighted clique problem. Computational experience is reported illustrating the attractiveness of the approach.     

A network-related nuclear power plant model with an intelligent branch-and-bound solution approach

This paper presents a network model with discrete requirements for a nuclear power plant. The model determines the batch size and timing for nuclear unit refueling and how much energy should be produced by nuclear and non-nuclear units for each time period to satisfy forecasted demand with minimum total operating costs over the planning horizon. Efficient modeling and solution strategies are developed which constitute a merger of operations research and artificial intelligence. A branch-and-bound solution approach is combined with a pattern recognition component, involving non-parametric discrimination analyses, to select branching variables and directions. By coupling this approach with network optimization techniques to exploit the underlying network structure of the problem, substantial improvements are obtained both in solution quality and solution efficiency.This research was supported in part by the Center for Business Decision Analysis, the Hugh Roy Cullen Centennial Chair in Business Administration, and the Office of Naval Research under contract N00014-87-K-0190. Reproduction in whole or in part is permitted for any purpose of the U.S. Government. CENTER FOR BUSINESS DECISION ANALYSIS Darwin Klingman, Director The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX 78712, U.S.A.     

Nonparabolic Asymptotic Limits of Solutions of the Heat Equation on $${\mathbb{R}}^N$$

In this paper, we construct solutions u(t,x) of the heat equation on such that has nontrivial limit points in as t → ∞ for certain values of μ > 0 and β > 1/2. We also show the existence of solutions of this type for nonlinear heat equations.      

Synthesis and characterization of 2,8-diazaperylene-1,3,7,9-tetraone, a new anthracene diimide containing six-membered imide rings

A successful synthesis of novel diimides, namely anthracene diimide containing six-membered imide rings, with potential application in organic electronics is reported. The single crystal of 5a exhibits a close interplanar spacing of 3.45 ? between molecules in a stack.     

Aqueous electrochemically-triggered atom transfer radical polymerization

Simplified electrochemical atom transfer radical polymerization (seATRP) using Cu^II–N-propyl pyridineimine complexes (Cu^II(NPPI)₂) is reported for the first time. In aqueous solution, using oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA), standard electrolysis conditions yield POEGMA with good control over molecular weight distribution (Đ_m < 1.35). Interestingly, the polymerizations are not under complete electrochemical control, as monomer conversion continues when electrolysis is halted. Alternatively, it is shown that the extent and rate of polymerization depends upon an initial period of electrolysis. Thus, it is proposed that seATRP using Cu^II(NPPI)₂ follows an electrochemically-triggered, rather than electrochemically mediated, ATRP mechanism, which distinguishes them from other Cu^IIL complexes that have been previously reported in the literature.

Simplified electrochemical atom transfer radical polymerization (seATRP) using Cu^II-pyridineimine complexes is reported and follows a previously unreported electrochemically triggered mechanism.     

Oligoacenes: theoretical prediction of open-shell singlet diradical ground states

A series of oligoacenes from benzene to decacene were studied computationally with DFT and CASSCF methods. In contrast to the common view that acenes are closed-shell systems or may have a triplet ground state, these results offer the first theoretical predictions for the singlet ground state and diradical character for oligoacenes. The nature of the ground states of these molecules arises from the disjoint nature of the NBMOs that are singly occupied in the diradical.     

Enantio- and diastereoselective synthesis of (E)-1,5-syn-diols: application to the synthesis of the C(23)-C(40) fragment of tetrafibricin

A highly stereoselective synthesis of (E)-1,5-syn-diols 6 is described. The kinetically controlled hydroboration of allenyltrifluoroborate 8 with Soderquist borane 2 provides the (Z)-allylic trifluoroborate 9, which undergoes sequential allylboration with two different aldehydes to provide (E)-1,5-syn-diols 6 in 72-98% yields with >95% ee and >20:1 dr. Application of this method to the synthesis of the tetrafibricin C(23)-C(40) fragment 19 is described.