Fixed-frequency and threshold molecular photoelectron spectra of S 1s, Si 1s and Cl 1s core levels

Fixed-frequency and threshold photoelectron spectra have been recorded for ionization from the S ls shells in SF₆, CS₂ and COS, the Si 1s shells in SiH₄ and SiCl₄ and the Cl 1s shell in SiCl₄ using synchrotron radiation. Fixed-frequency spectra generally showed a single strong ionization feature with associated weak satellite structure due to excited ionized states. Threshold spectra closely resembled X-ray absorption spectra but with an additional feature due to direct ionization. In cases where resonant process enhanced the NEXAFS spectrum direct ionization was not observed.     

Local search algorithms for the min-max loop layout problem

In the min-max loop layout problem, machines are to be arranged around a loop of conveyor belt. The ordering of the machines dictates the number of circuits of the conveyor belt required to manufacture each of several products. The goal is to find an ordering of the machines that minimises the maximum number of circuits required for the manufacture of any of the products. Since the problem is strongly NP-hard, the study of heuristic methods is of interest. This paper proposes iterated descent and tabu search algorithms, and a randomised insertion algorithm. Results of extensive computational tests show that all of our algorithms outperform a previously known algorithm that applies a greedy heuristic to the solution of a linear programming relaxation. The best quality solutions are obtained with iterated descent. This adds further evidence to the belief that iterated descent can produce high quality solutions to a variety of combinatorial optimisation problems. Moreover, unlike some other local search algorithms, iterated descent does not require much tuning in order to be competitive.     

Pulse radiolysis and fourier transform infrared study of neopentyl peroxy radicals in the gas phase at 297 K

The ultraviolet absorption spectrum of the neopentyl peroxy radical (CH₃)₃CCH₂O₂, and the kinetics and products of its self reaction have been studied in the gas phase at 298 K. Absorption cross sections were quantified over the wavelength range 230–290 nm. The measured cross section at 250 nm was; Errors represent statistical (2σ) together with our estimate of potential systematic errors(15%). The kinetics of the decay of the UV absorption following the generation of the neopentyl peroxy radicals was complicated by the rapid decomposition of the (CH₃)₃CCH₂O radicals formed in channel (4a). By measuring the yield of t-butyl peroxy radicals, the branching ratio k_4a/(k_4a + k_4b) was determined to be 0.39 ± 0.03. The rate constant for the self reaction of neopentyl peroxy radicals was k₄ = (1.07 ± 0.22) × 10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. Quoted errors represent 2σ. These results are discussed with respect to the available literature data. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Epicardial development in the rat: a new perspective.

Development of the epicardium is critical to proper heart formation. It provides all of the precursor cells that form the coronary system and supplies signals that stimulate cardiac myocyte proliferation. The epicardium forms from mesothelial cells associated with the septum transversum and is referred to as the proepicardium (PE). Two different methods by which these PE cells colonize the developing heart have been described. In avians, PE cells form a bridge to the heart over which PE cells migrate onto the heart. In fish and mammals, PE cells form vesicles of cells that detach from the mesothelium, float through the pericardial cavity, and attach to the heart. A previous study of rat PE development investigated this process at the histological level. Protein markers have been developed since this study. Thus, we investigated this important developmental process coupled with these new markers using other visualization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy. Finally, a novel, three-dimensional (3-D) culture system was used to confirm the identity of the PE cells. In this study, we found convincing evidence that the rat PE cells directly attach to the heart in a manner similar to that observed in avians.     

Amides as precursors of imidoyl radicals in cyclisation reactions

Amides have been successfully used as precursors of imidoyl radicals for radical cyclisation. The amides have been converted to imidoyl selanides via reaction with phosgene to yield imidoyl chlorides followed by reaction with potassium phenylselanide. Imidoyl selanides were reacted with tributyltin hydride (Bu₃SnH) as the radical mediator with triethylborane or AIBN as initiators to yield imidoyl radicals for cyclisation reactions. Imidoyl radicals have been cyclised onto alkenes to yield 2,3-substituted-indoles and -quinolines and also onto pyrroles and indoles to give bi- and tricyclic heteroarenes.     

1,2,4-Triazoles—XXXIII: Photodimerization of some sym-di(3-s-triazolo-[4,3-a]pyridyl)-alkanes and related derivatives

Irradiation of 3,3'-[ethane-1,2-diyl]bis-[1,2,4-triazolo-[4,3-a]pyridine] at 300 nm gave the cisoid-fused cyclobutane dimer 5aα,5bα-10bα,10cα-tetrahydro-1,10-ethano-2,3,8,9,10a,10d-hexaazadicyclopenta[a,i]biphenylene. Under the same conditions 3,3'-[propane-1,3-diyl]bis-[1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine] gave the corresponding cyclobutane dimer, 5aα,5bα,10bα,10cα-tetrahydro-1,10-propano-2,3,8,9,10a,10d-hexaazadicyclopenta[a,i]biphenylene whereas at 254 nm the photoproduct obtained had the “cage-like” structure 3b,3c,3d,3e,6b,6c,6d,6e-octahydro-3, 4-propano-1,2,3a,3f,5,6-hexaazadicyclobuta[def,jkl]dicyclopenta[b,h]biphenylene. Replacement of the hydrocarbon linkage with the oxybis(methylene) or a thiobis(methylene) unit and irradiation at 300 nm gave the corresponding cisoid-fused, cyclobutane dimers only. The effect of methyl substituents in the pyridine ring of the bicyclic system on the dimerization process was also studied.     

Mass spectrometry of the 11H-dibenzo[c,f][1,2]-diazepine system

The mass spectra of 3,8-dichloro-11H-dibenzo[c,f] [1,2]diazepine, the corresponding diazepin-11-01 and diazepin-11-one and their dihydro and N-oxide derivatives have been recorded. The most important fragmentation of the molecular ions of all diazepines studied was an initial loss of m/e 28, with further fragmentation depending on the 11-substituent. No general pathway was observed for the corresponding N-oxides and dihydro compounds.     

Mass spectra of some 1,2,4-triazole derivatives

Fragmentation of various 1,2,4-triazole derivatives occurs by two predominant pathways involving the loss of RCN originating from both C₃ and C₅ positions. The resulting diazirinium radical cation was observed to lose a nitrogen atom to give a nitrilium ion whose substitution pattern was dependent upon the original substituents in the nucleus.