A data model for algorithmic multiple criteria decision analysis

Various software tools implementing multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods have appeared over the last decades. Although MCDA methods share common features, most of the implementing software have been developed independently from scratch. Majority of the tools have a proprietary storage format and exchanging data among software is cumbersome. Common data exchange standard would be useful for an analyst wanting to apply different methods on the same problem. The Decision Deck project has proposed to build components implementing MCDA methods in a reusable and interchangeable manner. A key element in this scheme is the XMCDA standard, a proposal that aims to standardize an XML encoding of common structures appearing in MCDA models, such as criteria and performance evaluations. Although XMCDA allows to present most data structures for MCDA models, it almost completely lacks data integrity checks. In this paper we present a new comprehensive data model for MCDA problems, implemented as an XML schema. The data model includes types that are sufficient to represent multi-attribute value/utility models, ELECTRE III/TRI models, and their stochastic extensions, and AHP. We also discuss use of the data model in algorithmic MCDA.     

Expedient Access to Functionalized Furan/3(2H)-furanone Ensembles via Microwave-Assisted Domino Reactions

A one-pot linkage between furan and 3(2H)-furanone rings has been effected via the microwave-assisted Et₃N-catalyzed domino condensation of the furan and benzofuran carboxylic acids with available cyanopropargylic alcohols (MeCN, 100 °C, 1.2 atm, 2–17 h). Despite involving a number of C-H-forming/breaking steps, the assembly is chemoselective and the final products, 5-(2-furyl)-3(2H)-furanones, are formed in 59–96% yields.     

Early introduction of the amino group to the C27–C35 building block of Eribulin

A new synthetic strategy towards the C27–C35 subunit of Eribulin (1) has been devised to include a protected 1,2-amino alcohol at C34–C35. Early introduction of the C35 amino group in the synthesis of 1 increases the efficiency of the route. This new approach can be accomplished on a multi-gram scale and allows for the successful synthesis of Eribulin.     

Two-state and continuous phase transitions in lipid bilayers A time-resolved X-ray diffraction study

Structural changes associated with transition from one phase to another have been examined in several lipid-water systems using time-resolved X-ray diffraction methods. Two types of transition mechanism can be recognized on the basis of scattering originating from the packing of the hydrocarbon chains. Two-state transitions are characterized by coexistence of the wide-angle scattering patterns of the initial and final phases throughout the transition region. Continuous transitions, on the other hand, take place through a series of intermediate states that are believed to arise from deformation of the hydrocarbon chain lattice as one phase transforms into another. Two-state processes are observed as subgel to liquid crystal transitions, and continuous transformations are typical of subgel to gel phase transitions. Examples of these transition types are presented and other transitions that do not appear to conform to either of these mechanisms are described.     

Sulfur Versus Oxygen in Interaction with the Double Bond: AB Initio Study of Electronic Structure and Prototropic Rearrangement of 1-Methoxy-2-propene and 1-Methylthio-2-propene

The ab initio calculations of 1-methoxy-2-propene ( 1 ), 1-methylthio-2-propene ( 2 ), and their anions are performed using the RHF/6-31+G* geometry optimization followed by MP2/6-31+G* energy calculations. Both 1 and 2 are found to rearrange toward 1-substituted 1-propenes with a comparable exothermic effect. However, the proton abstraction energies of 1 and 2 differ significantly. So, the acidity of propene is just slightly affected by the OCH 3 group while the SCH 3 group decreases its proton abstraction energy by 17.5 kcal/mol. Changes in charge distribution, bond lengths and bond orders suggest the negative hyperconjugation to stabilize anions of 2 but not that of 1 . This divergence is explained with a difference in sulfur and oxygen electronegativity. The d -functions of both sulfur and oxygen act in polarization. The Z -isomer of anion 1 is found to be by 2.9 kcal/mol more stable than its E -isomer, this could provide a predominant kinetic formation of the less stable Z -isomer of 1-methoxy-1-propene under base catalysis.     

Reaction of Red Phosphorus with 4-Methoxystyrene in KOH-DMSO System: One-Pot Synthesis of Tris[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]phosphane Oxide

Abstract

Red phosphorus reacts with 4-methoxystyrene in the KOH-DMSO superbase system (130 °C, 3 h, Ar) in the presence of a small quantity of H₂O to give tris[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]phosphane oxide as the main product in 30% yield. Microwave activation of the reaction (600 W, 6 min) affords basically a mixture of the phosphane oxide and tris[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]phosphane (in a ratio of 1:1). When the mixture is exposed to air (r.t., 24 h), the phosphane oxide is formed in 85% yield.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT     

Pt(II) ASSISTED DEOXYGENATION OF COORDINATED SULFOXIDES BY HYDROCHLORIC- OR HYDROBROMIC ACID

Abstract

The interaction of the complexes (Et₄ N)[Pt(R₂ SO)X₃] (R = Me, Et, CH₂ Ph, X [dbnd] C1; R [dbnd] Me, X [dbnd] Br) and cis-[Pt(Me₂ SO)₂ Cl₂] with concentrated HX (X [dbnd] Cl. Br) results in the reduction of the coordinated sulfoxides and oxidation of Pt(II) to Pt(IV). As a result [Pt(R₂ S)X₅ and [Pt(R₂S)₂ X₄] are formed. Ligands R₂ S can be removed from the complexes and isolated in a free state.     

Catalytic oxidation of hydrogen on platinum

Using the thermochemical approach to interpret the kinetics of heterogeneous reactions and the mechanism of congruent dissociative decomposition of solids developed in the 1980s and (re)analyzing the experimental data available in the literature over the last 90 years, a novel mechanism for the catalytic oxidation of H₂ by PtO₂ is proposed. In place of the conventional Langmuir–Hinshelwood and Eley–Rideal adsorption reaction mechanisms, our model is based on the reactions: PtO₂(s) + 2H₂ ? Pt(g) + 2H₂O and Pt(g) + O₂ ? PtO₂(g) → PtO₂(s). The first reaction determines the kinetics of H₂ oxidation and the second determines the kinetics of restoration of the PtO₂ layer. Thermochemical consideration of kinetic features of this model enables (for first time in the history of this reaction) the enthalpy and equilibrium constants for H₂ oxidation on platinum to be calculated. The results are in good agreement with experimental data. In addition, the proposed mechanism explains the origin of the surface-retexturing effect, the impact of autocatalysis, the influence of H₂O vapor on oxidation rate, and the three-fold variation of the Arrhenius E parameter with temperature. This all convincingly demonstrates the value of the thermochemical approach in interpreting heterogeneous reactions.     

Inspiration from Old Dyes: Tris(stilbene) Compounds as Potent Gram‐Positive Antibacterial Agents

Herein we describe the preparation and structure‐activity relationship studies on range of stilbene based compounds and their antibacterial activity. Two related compounds, each bearing carboxylic acid moieties, exhibit good activity against several bacterial strains, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA (ATCC 33592 and NCTC 10442). Compound 10 was most active against Moraxella catarrhalis with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.12–0.25 μg mL^?1 and against Staphylococcus spp. with MICs ranging from 2–4 μg mL^?1. The derivative 17 showed increased activity with MICs of 0.06–0.25 μg mL^?1 against M. catarrhalis and 0.12–1 against Staphylococcus spp. This level of activity is similar to that reported for S. aureus for antibiotics, such as vancomycin, with MICs of ≤2.0 μg mL^?1 and clindamycin with MICs of ≤0.5 μg mL^?1. As an indicator of toxicity, 17 was tested for its ability to lyse sheep erythrocytes, and showed low haemolytic activity. Such results highlight the value of tris(stilbene) compounds as antibacterial agents providing suitable properties for further development.