Characterization of high-order harmonic radiation on femtosecond and attosecond time scales

We characterize the temporal structure of high-order harmonic radiation on both the femtosecond and attosecond time scales. The harmonic emission is characterized by mixed-color two-photon ionization with an infrared femtosecond laser using a Mach–Zehnder interferometer where both pump and probe arms travel completely separate paths. In a first experiment, we measure the duration and chirp of individual harmonics. In a second experiment, we resolve, for the first time with this type of setup, the attosecond beating of several harmonics generated under conditions similar to the first experiment. We suggest that the results of both measurements can be combined to determine the full attosecond time structure of the harmonic emission. PACS 32.80.Rm; 42.65.Ky     

Dynamic mechanical analysis

Using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) we have studied thermal degradation for a system containing a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and 1,3-bisaminomethylcylohexane (1,3-BAC). The changes of dynamic mechanical properties during thermal degradation indicated a shift of the glass transition temperature (T _g) to higher temperatures and a decrease in the peak value of the dynamic loss factor (tan δ) with an increasing of aging time. The value of dynamic storage modulus (E′) at the rubbery state showed an increase with aging time, whiteE′ at the glassy state only underwent a moderate change with increased thermal degradation. From these results it can be argued that thermal degradation during the stage prior to the onset of the severe degradation involves structural changes in the epoxy system, as further crosslinking and loss of dangling chains in the crosslinked network.     

Physical content of preparation-question structures and Brouwer-Zadeh lattices

We give a criterion to compare the physical content of different mathematical structures derived from a preparation-question structure. Then this criterion is used in order to compare the physical content of the (Jauch-Piron's) property lattice with the physical content of the poset of testable properties. We prove that for complete preparation-question structures these two structures carry the same physical content; moreover the set of testable properties has the algebraic structure of the Brouwer-Zadeh lattice. For more general preparation-question structures the physical content of the poset of testable property can be larger than that of the property lattice. Physically relevant examples of the possible cases are given.     

Geometry optimization in Cartesian coordinates: Constrained optimization

An efficient algorithm for constrained geometry optimization in Cartesian coordinates is presented. It incorporates mode-following techniques within both the classical method of Lagrange multipliers and the penalty function method. Both constrained minima and transition states can be located and, unlike the standard Z-matrix using internal coordinates, the desired constraints do not have to be satisfied in the initial structure. The algorithm is as efficient as a Z-matrix optimization while presenting several additional advantages.     

Synthesis,properties, and crystal structure of a novel 3-hydroxy-(4<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>)-benzopyran-4-one containing copper(II) complex,and its oxygenation and relevance to quercetinase

The preparation, spectroscopic properties, and crystal structure of [Cu(ind)(mco)] [ind is the anion of 1,3-bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindoline and mco is the anion of 3-hydroxy-(4H)-benzopyran-4-one] are reported. The complex exhibits a distorted square pyramidal geometry. The oxygenation of the title compound results in oxidative cleavage of the heterocyclic ring to give the (acetylsalicylato)copper(II) complex [Cu(asp)(ind)] (asp is the anion of acetylsalicylic acid) and CO as primary products, which reaction resembles the enzymatic reaction of quercetinase.     

Calculation of cyclodextrin-mediated enantiomer ratio shifting of racem norgestrel in aqueous solutions

Enantioselective solubility of rac-norgestrel was found in the presence of γ-cyclodextrin or hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin. In both cases the efficacious enantiomer was dissolved in greater extent. Calculating the molar absorptivity and molar ellipticity spectra of the γ- and hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin aqueous complexes, a simple and rapid direct circular dichroism (CD) spectrometric method was obtained for the determination of the enantiomer ratio in aqueous solutions.