A pulsed-field ionization photoelectron secondary ion coincidence study of the H2+ (X,upsilon+=0-15,N+=1)+He proton transfer reaction

The endothermic proton transfer reaction, H2+(upsilon+)+He-->HeH+ + H(DeltaE=0.806 eV), is investigated over a broad range of reactant vibrational levels using high-resolution vacuum ultraviolet to prepare reactant ions either through excitation of autoionization resonances, or using the pulsed-field ionization-photoelectron-secondary ion coincidence (PFI-PESICO) approach. In the former case, the translational energy dependence of the integral reaction cross sections are measured for upsilon+=0-3 with high signal-to-noise using the guided-ion beam technique. PFI-PESICO cross sections are reported for upsilon+=1-15 and upsilon+=0-12 at center-of-mass collision energies of 0.6 and 3.1 eV, respectively. All ion reactant states selected by the PFI-PESICO scheme are in the N+=1 rotational level. The experimental cross sections are complemented with quasiclassical trajectory (QCT) calculations performed on the ab initio potential energy surface provided by Palmieri et al. [Mol. Phys. 98, 1839 (2000)]. The QCT cross sections are significantly lower than the experimental results near threshold, consistent with important contributions due to resonances observed in quantum scattering studies. At total energies above 2 eV, the QCT calculations are in excellent agreement with the present results. PFI-PESICO time-of-flight (TOF) measurements are also reported for upsilon+=3 and 4 at a collision energy of 0.6 eV. The velocity inverted TOF spectra are consistent with the prevalence of a spectator-stripping mechanism.

Infrared vibrational spectroscopy of cis-dichloroethene in Rydberg states

We have measured the infrared (IR) vibrational spectrum for cis-dichloroethene (cis-ClCH[Double Bond]CHCl) in excited Rydberg states with the effective principal quantum numbers n(*)=9, 13, 17, 21, 28, and 55 using the vacuum ultraviolet-IR-photoinduced Rydberg ionization (VUV-IR-PIRI) scheme. Although the IR frequencies observed for the vibrational bands nu(11) (*) (asymmetric C-H stretch) and nu(12) (*) (symmetric C-H stretch) are essentially unchanged for different n(*) states, suggesting that the IR absorption predominantly involves the ion core and that the Rydberg electron behaves as a spectator; the intensity ratio for the nu(11) (*) and nu(12) (*) bands [R(nu(11) (*)nu(12) (*))] is found to decrease smoothly as n(*) is increased. This trend is consistent with the results of a model ab initio quantum calculation of R(nu(11) (*)nu(12) (*)) for excited cis-ClCH[Double Bond]CHCl in n(*)=3-18 states and the MP26-311++G(2df,p) calculations of R(nu(11)nu(12)) and R(nu(11) (+)nu(12) (+)), where R(nu(11)nu(12))[R(nu(11) (+)nu(12) (+))] represents the intensity ratio of the nu(11)(nu(11) (+)) asymmetric C-H stretching to the nu(12)(nu(12) (+)) symmetric C-H stretching vibrational bands for cis-ClCH[Double Bond]CHCl (cis-ClCH[Double Bond]CHCl(+)). We have also measured the IR-VUV-photoion (IR-VUV-PI) and IR-VUV-pulsed field ionization-photoelectron depletion (IR-VUV-PFI-PED) spectra for cis-ClCH[Double Bond]CHCl. These spectra are consistent with ab initio calculations, indicating that the IR absorption cross section for the nu(12) band is negligibly small compared to that for the nu(11) band. While the VUV-IR-PIRI measurements have allowed the determination of nu(11) (+)=3067+/-2 cm(-1), nu(12) (+)=3090+/-2 cm(-1), and R(nu(11) (+)nu(12) (+)) approximately 1.3 for cis-ClCH=CHCl(+), the IR-VUV-PI and IR-VUV-PFI-PED measurements have provided the value nu(11)=3088.5+/-0.2 cm(-1) for cis-ClCH=CHCl.

Accurate ab initio predictions of ionization energies and heats of formation for the 2-propyl, phenyl, and benzyl radicals

The ionization energies (IEs) for the 2-propyl (2-C(3)H(7)), phenyl (C(6)H(5)), and benzyl (C(6)H(5)CH(2)) radicals have been calculated by the wave-function-based ab initio CCSD(T)/CBS approach, which involves the approximation to the complete basis set (CBS) limit at the coupled cluster level with single and double excitations plus quasiperturbative triple excitation [CCSD(T)]. The zero-point vibrational energy correction, the core-valence electronic correction, and the scalar relativistic effect correction have been also made in these calculations. Although a precise IE value for the 2-C(3)H(7) radical has not been directly determined before due to the poor Franck-Condon factor for the photoionization transition at the ionization threshold, the experimental value deduced indirectly using other known energetic data is found to be in good accord with the present CCSD(T)/CBS prediction. The comparison between the predicted value through the focal-point analysis and the highly precise experimental value for the IE(C(6)H(5)CH(2)) determined in the previous pulsed field ionization photoelectron (PFI-PE) study shows that the CCSD(T)/CBS method is capable of providing an accurate IE prediction for C(6)H(5)CH(2), achieving an error limit of 35 meV. The benchmarking of the CCSD(T)/CBS IE(C(6)H(5)CH(2)) prediction suggests that the CCSD(T)/CBS IE(C(6)H(5)) prediction obtained here has a similar accuracy of 35 meV. Taking into account this error limit for the CCSD(T)/CBS prediction and the experimental uncertainty, the CCSD(T)/CBS IE(C(6)H(5)) value is also consistent with the IE(C(6)H(5)) reported in the previous HeI photoelectron measurement. Furthermore, the present study provides support for the conclusion that the CCSD(T)/CBS approach with high-level energy corrections can be used to provide reliable IE predictions for C(3)-C(7) hydrocarbon radicals with an uncertainty of +/-35 meV. Employing the atomization scheme, we have also computed the 0 K (298 K) heats of formation in kJ/mol at the CCSD(T)/CBS level for 2-C(3)H(7)/2-C(3)H(7) (+) ,C(6)H(5)/C(6)H(5) (+), and C(6)H(5)CH(2)/C(6)H(5)CH(2) (+) to be 105.2/822.7 (90.0/806.4), 351.4/1148.5 (340.4/1138.8), and 226.2/929.0 (210.3/912.7), respectively. Comparing these values with the available experimental values, we find that the discrepancies for the 0 and 298 K heats of formation values are < or =2.6 kJ/mol for 2-C(3)H(7)/2-C(3)H(7) (+),< or =4.1 kJ/mol for C(6)H(5)/C(6)H(5) (+), and < or =3.2 kJ//mol for C(6)H(5)CH(2)C(6)H(5)CH(2) (+).

A photodissociation study of CH2BrCl in the A-band using the time-sliced ion velocity imaging method

Employing a high-resolution (velocity resolution deltanu/nu<1.5%) time-sliced ion velocity imaging apparatus, we have examined the photodissociation of CH2BrCl in the photon energy range of 448.6-618.5 kJ/mol (193.3-266.6 nm). Precise translational and angular distributions for the dominant Br(2P32) and Br(2P12) channels have been determined from the ion images observed for Br(2P32) and Br(2P12). In confirmation with the previous studies, the kinetic-energy distributions for the Br(2P12) channel are found to fit well with one Gaussian function, whereas the kinetic- energy distributions for the Br(2P32) channel exhibit bimodal structures and can be decomposed into a slow and a fast Gaussian component. The observed kinetic-energy distributions are consistent with the conclusion that the formation of the Br(2P32) and Br(2P12) channels takes place on a repulsive potential-energy surface, resulting in a significant fraction (0.40-0.47) of available energy to appear as translational energy for the photo fragments. On the basis of the detailed kinetic-energy distributions and anisotropy parameters obtained in the present study, together with the specific features and relative absorption cross sections of the excited 2A', 1A", 3A', 4A', and 2A" states estimated in previous studies, we have rationalized the dissociation pathways of CH2BrCl in the A-band, leading to the formation of the Br(2P32) and Br(2P12) channels. The analysis of the ion images observed at 235 nm for Cl(2P(32,12)) provides strong evidence that the formation of Cl mainly arises from the secondary photodissociation process CH2Cl + hnu --> CH2 + Cl.

A Combined VUV Synchrotron Pulsed Field Ionization-Photoelectron and IR−VUV Laser Photoion Depletion Study of Ammonia

The synchrotron based vacuum ultraviolet-pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (VUV-PFI-PE) spectrum of ammonia (NH(3)) has been measured in the energy range 10.12-12.12 eV using a room-temperature NH(3) sample. In addition to extending the VUV-PFI-PE measurement to include the v(2)(+) = 0, 10, 11, 12, and 13 and the v(1)(+) + nv(2)(+) (n = 4-9) vibrational bands, the present study also reveals photoionization transition line strengths for higher rotational levels of NH(3), which were not examined in previous PFI-PE studies. Here, v(1)(+) and v(2)(+) represent the N-H symmetric stretching and inversion vibrational modes of the ammonia cation (NH(3)(+)), respectively. The relative PFI-PE band intensities for NH(3)(+)(v(2)(+)=0-13) are found to be in general agreement with the calculated Franck-Condon factors. However, rotational simulation indicates that rotational photoionization transitions of the P-branches, particularly those for the lower v(2)(+) PFI-PE bands, are strongly enhanced by forced rotational autoionization. For the synchrotron based VUV-PFI-PE spectrum of the origin band of NH(3)(+), rotational transition intensities of the P-branch are overwhelming compared to those of other rotational branches. Similar to that observed for the nv(2)(+) (n = 0-13) levels, the v(1)(+) + nv(2)(+) (n = 4-9) levels are found to have a positive anharmonicity constant; i.e., the vibrational spacing increases as n is increased. The VUV laser PFI-PE measurement of the origin band has also been made using a supersonically cooled NH(3) sample. The analysis of this band has allowed the direct determination of the ionization energy of NH(3) as 82158.2 +/- 1.0 cm(-1), which is in good accord with the previous PFI-PE and photoionization efficiency measurements. Using the known nd(v(2)(+)=1,1(0)<--0(0)) Rydberg series of NH(3) as an example, we have demonstrated a valuable method based on two-color infrared-VUV-photoion depletion measurements for determining the rotational character of autoionizing Rydberg states.

A 193 nm laser photofragmentation time-of-flight mass spectrometric study of chloroiodomethane

The photodissociation dynamics of chloroiodomethane (CH2ICl) at 193 nm has been investigated by employing the photofragment time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometric method. Using tunable vacuum ultraviolet undulator synchrotron radiation for photoionization sampling of nascent photofragments, we have identified four primary dissociation product channels: CH2Cl + I(2P(1/2))/I(2P(3/2)), CH2I + Cl(2P(1/2))/Cl(2P(3/2)), CHI + HCl, and CH2 + ICl. The state-selective detection of I(2P(3/2)) and I(2P(1/2)) has allowed the estimation of the branching ratio for I(2P(1/2)):I(2P(3/2)) to be 0.73:0.27. Theoretical calculations based on the time-dependent density-functional theory have been also made to investigate excited electronic potential-energy surfaces, plausible intermediates, and transition structures involved in these photodissociation reactions. The translation energy distributions derived from the TOF measurements suggest that at least two dissociation mechanisms are operative for these photodissociation processes. One involves the direct dissociation from the 2 1A' state initially formed by 193 nm excitation, leading to significant kinetic-energy releases. For the I-atom and Cl-atom elimination channels, the fragment kinetic-energy releases observed via this direct dissociation mechanism are consistent with those predicted by the impulsive dissociation models. Other mechanisms are likely predissociative or statistical in nature from the lower 1 1A' and 1 1A'' states and/or the ground X 1A' state populated by internal conversion from the 2 1A' state. On the basis of the maximum kinetic-energy release for the formation of CH2Cl + I(2P(1/2)), we have obtained a value of 53+/-2 kcal/mol for the 0 K bond dissociation energy of I-CH2Cl. The intermediates and transition structures for the CHI + HCl and CH2 + ICl product channels have been also investigated by ab initio quantum calculations at the MP2(full)/6-311G(d) and B3LYP(full)/6-11G(d) levels of theory. The maximum kinetic-energy releases observed for the CHI + HCl and CH2 + ICl channels are consistent with the interpretation that the formation of CHI and CH2 in their ground triplet states is not favored.

A vacuum ultraviolet pulsed field ionization-photoelectron study of cyanogen cation in the energy range of 13.2–15.9 eV

The vacuum ultraviolet pulsed field ionization-photoelectron and photoionization efficiency spectra of NCCN have been measured in the energy region of 13.25-17.75 eV. The analyses of these spectra have provided accurate ionization energy (IE) values of 13.371+/-0.001, 14.529+/-0.001, 14.770+/-0.001, and 15.516+/-0.001 eV for the formation of NCCN(+) in the X(2)Pi(g), A(2)Sigma(g) (+), B(2)Sigma(u) (+), and C(2)Pi(u) states, respectively. The ionization energy [NCCN(+)(B(2)Sigma(u) (+))] value determined here indicates that the origin of the NCCN(+)(B(2)Sigma(u) (+)) state lies lower in energy by 25 meV than previously reported. A set of spectroscopic parameters for NCCN(+)(X(2)Pi(g)) has been calculated using high level ab initio calculations. The experimental spectra are found to consist of ionizing transitions populating the vibronic levels of NCCN(+), which consist of pure vibronic progressions, combination modes involving the symmetric CN stretch, the CC stretch, and even quanta of the antisymmetric CN stretch, and bending vibrations. These bands are identified with the guidance of the present ab initio calculations.

A two-color infrared-vacuum ultraviolet laser pulsed field ionization photoelectron study of NH3

We have observed fully rotationally resolved transitions of the photoelectron vibrational bands 2(4), 2(5), 1(1)2(1), and 1(1)2(3) for ammonia cation (NH3+) by two-color infrared (IR)-vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)- pulsed field-ionization photoelectron (PFI-PE) measurements. By preparing an intermediate rovibrational state of neutral NH(3) with a known parity by IR excitation followed by VUV-PFI-PE measurements, we show that the photoelectron parity can be determined unambiguously. The IR-VUV-PFI-PE measurement of the 2(4) band clearly reveals the formation of both even and odd l states for the photoelectrons, where l is the orbital angular momentum quantum number. This observation is consistent with the conclusion that the lack of inversion symmetry for NH3 and NH3+ allows odd/even l mixings, rendering the production of both odd and even l states for the photoelectrons. Evidence is also found, indicating that the photoionization transitions with DeltaK=0 are strongly favored compared to that with DeltaK=3. For the 2(5), 1(1)2(1), and 1(1)2(3) bands, only DeltaK=0 transitions for the production of even l photoelectron states from the J'K'=2(0) rotational level of NH3(nu1=1) are observed. The preferential formation of even l photoelectron states for these vibrational bands is attributed to the fact that the DeltaK=0 transitions for the formation of odd l photoelectron states from the 2(0) rotational level of NH3(nu1=1) are suppressed by the constraint of nuclear-spin statistics. In addition to information obtained on the photoionization dynamics of NH3, this experiment also provides a more precise value of 3232+/-10 cm-1 for the nu1+ (N-H stretch) vibrational frequency of NH3+.

Pulsed field-ionization photoelectron-photoion coincidence study of the process N2+hν→N++N+e−: Bond dissociation energies of N2 and N2+

We have examined the dissociative photoionization reaction N2+hnu-->N++N+e- near its threshold using the pulsed field-ionization photoelectron-photoion coincidence (PFI-PEPICO) time-of-flight (TOF) method. By examining the kinetic-energy release based on the simulation of the N+ PFI-PEPICO TOF peak profile as a function of vacuum ultraviolet photon energy and by analyzing the breakdown curves of N+ and N2+, we have determined the 0-K threshold or appearance energy (AE) of this reaction to be 24.2884+/-0.0010 eV. Using this 0-K AE, together with known ionization energies of N and N2, results in more precise values for the 0-K bond dissociation energies of N-N (9.7543+/-0.0010 eV) and N-N+ (8.7076+/-0.0010 eV) and the 0-K heats of formation for N (112.469+/-0.012 kcal/mol) and N+ (447.634+/-0.012 kcal/mol).

A time-dependent wave-packet quantum scattering study of the reaction H2+(v=0–2,4,6;j=1)+He→HeH++H

The quantum scattering dynamics calculation was carried out for the titled reaction in the collision energy range of 0.0-2.4 eV with reactant H(2) (+) in the rotational state j = 1 and vibrational states v = 0-2, 4, and 6. The present time-dependent wave-packet calculation takes into account the Coriolis coupling (CC) and uses the accurate ab initio potential-energy surface of Palmieri et al. [Mol. Phys. 98, 1835 (2000)]. The importance of including the CC quantum scattering calculation has been revealed by the comparison between the CC calculation and the previous coupled state (CS) calculation. The CC total cross sections for the v = 2, 4, and 6 states show collision energy-dependent behaviors different from those based on the CS calculation. Furthermore, the collision energy dependence of the total cross sections obtained in the present CC calculation only exhibits minor oscillations, indicating that the chance is slim for reactive resonances in total cross sections to survive through the partial-wave averaging. The magnitude and profile of the CC total cross sections for v = 0-2 in the collision energy range of 0.0-2.5 eV are found to be consistent with experimental cross sections obtained recently by Tang et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 122, 164301 (2005)] after taking into account the experimental uncertainties.

Accurate ab initio predictions of ionization energies of hydrocarbon radicals: CH2, CH3, C2H, C2H3, C2H5, C3H3, and C3H5

The ionization energies for methylene (CH2), methyl (CH3), ethynyl (C2H), vinyl (C2H3), ethyl (C2H5), propargyl (C3H3), and allyl (C3H5) radicals have been calculated by the wave-function-based ab initio CCSD(T)/CBS approach, which involves the approximation to the complete basis set (CBS) limit at the coupled-cluster level with single and double excitations plus a quasiperturbative triple excitation [CCSD(T)]. When it is appropriate, the zero-point vibrational energy correction, the core-valence electronic correction, the scalar relativistic effect correction, the diagonal Born-Oppenheimer correction, and the high-order correlation correction have also been made in these calculations. The comparison between the computed ionization energy (IE) values and the highly precise experimental IE values determined in previous pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE) studies indicates that the CCSD(T)/CBS method is capable of providing accurate IE predictions for these hydrocarbon radicals achieving error limits well within +/-10 meV. The benchmarking of the CCSD(T)/CBS IE predictions by the PFI-PE experimental results also lends strong support for the conclusion that the CCSD(T)/CBS approach with high-level energy corrections can serve as a valuable alternative for reliable IE determination of radicals, particularly for those radicals with very unfavorable Franck-Condon factors for photoionization transitions near their ionization thresholds.

Rovibrational-state-selected pulsed field ionization-photoelectron study of methyl iodide using two-color infrared-vacuum ultraviolet lasers

The preparation of methyl iodide (CH(3)I) in selected rovibrational states [nu(7)=1 (C-H stretch); J] by infrared (IR) excitation prior to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoionization has greatly simplified the observed pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE) spectra, allowing the direct determination of the rotational constants B(+)(C(+))=0.254+/-0.003 cm(-1) for CH(3)I(+)(X (2)E(3/2);nu(7) (+)) and the ionization energy (76 896.9+/-0.2 cm(-1)) for CH(3)I(+)(X (2)E(3/2);nu(7) (+)=1,J(+)=3/2)<--CH(3)I(X (1)A(1);nu(7)=1,J=0). The IR-VUV-PFI-PE and IR-VUV-photoion measurements also provide relative state-to-state (nu(7) (+)=1, J(+)<--nu(7)=1, J) cross sections for the photoionization process.

A high-resolution pulsed field ionization-photoelectron-photoion coincidence study of vinyl bromide

By employing the high-resolution pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE)-photoion coincidence method, we have examined the unimolecular dissociation reaction of energy-selected C(2)H(3)Br(+) to form C(2)H(3) (+)+Br near its threshold. The analysis of the breakdown curves for C(2)H(3)Br(+) and C(2)H(3) (+) yields a value of 11.9010+/-0.0015 eV for the 0 K dissociative photoionization threshold or appearance energy (AE) for C(2)H(3) (+) from C(2)H(3)Br. This AE(C(2)H(3) (+)) value, together with the ionization energy (IE) for C(2)H(3)Br (9.8200+/-0.0015 eV) obtained by PFI-PE and threshold photoelectron (TPE) measurements, has allowed the determination of the 0 K dissociation energy (D(0)) for the C(2)H(3) (+)-Br bond to be 2.081+/-0.002 eV. The 0 K AE(C(2)H(3) (+)) from C(2)H(3)Br obtained in this study corresponds to DeltaH(f0) ( composite function )(C(2)H(3) (+))=1123.7+/-1.9 kJ/mol. Combining the latter value and the known DeltaH(f0) ( composite function )(C(2)H(3))=306.7+/-2.1 kJ/mol, we calculated a value of 8.468+/-0.029 eV for the IE(C(2)H(3)), which is in accord with the result obtained in the previous photoionization efficiency study. We have also carried out high-level ab initio calculations for the IE(C(2)H(3)) at the Gaussian-3 and the CCSD(T,full)/CBS level of theory. The CCSD(T,full)/CBS prediction of 8.487 eV for the IE(C(2)H(3)-->bridged-C(2)H(3) (+)) is in good agreement with the IE(C(2)H(3)) value derived in the present experiment. Combining the 0 K AE(C(2)H(3) (+))=11.9010+/-0.0015 eV and the IE(C(2)H(3))=8.468+/-0.029 eV yields the value of 3.433+/-0.029 eV for D(0)(C(2)H(3)-Br). We have also recorded the TPE spectrum of C(2)H(3)Br in the energy range of 9.80-12.20 eV. Members (n=5-14) of four autoionizing Rydberg series converging to the C(2)H(3)Br(+)(A (2)A(')) state are observed in the TPE spectrum. The analysis of the converging limit of these Rydberg series and the vibrational TPE bands for C(2)H(3)Br(+)(A (2)A(')) has provided more precise values for the nu(6) (+) (1217+/-10 cm(-1)) and nu(8) (+) (478+/-8 cm(-1)) modes and the IE (10.9156+/-0.0010 eV) for the formation of C(2)H(3)Br(+)(A (2)A(')) from C(2)H(3)Br.

Single-photon vacuum-ultraviolet laser-pulsed-field ionization-photoelectron studies of trans- and cis-1-bromopropenes

The vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) pulsed-field ionization-photoelectron (VUV-PFI-PE) spectra of trans-1-bromopropene (trans-CH(3)CH[Double Bond]CHBr) and cis-1-bromopropene (cis-CH(3)CH[Double Bond]CHBr) have been measured in the energy region of 74 720-76 840 cm(-1). The simulation of fine structures observed in the origin VUV-PFI-PE vibrational bands of these molecules has provided the ionization energies (IEs) of trans-1-bromopropene and cis-1-bromopropene to be 74 779.3+/-2.0 cm(-1) (9.2715+/-0.0002 eV) and 75 140.2+/-2.0 cm(-1) (9.3162+/-0.0002 eV), respectively. The vibrational bands resolved in these VUV-PFI-PE spectra at energies 0-1700 cm(-1) above the IEs of trans-1-bromopropene and cis-1-bromopropene have been assigned based on theoretical vibrational frequencies and calculated Franck-Condon factors for the ionization transitions.

Vacuum ultraviolet pulsed-field ionization-photoelectron study of H2S in the energy range of 10–17 eV

Vacuum ultraviolet pulsed-field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE) spectra of H(2)S have been recorded at PFI-PE resolutions of 0.6-1.0 meV in the energy range of 10-17 eV using high-resolution synchrotron radiation. The PFI-PE spectrum, which covers the formation of the valence electronic states H(2)S(+) (X (2)B(1), A (2)A(1), and B (2)B(2)), is compared to the recent high-resolution He I photoelectron spectra of H(2)S obtained by Baltzer et al. [Chem. Phys. 195, 403 (1995)]. In addition to the overwhelmingly dominated origin vibrational band, the PFI-PE spectrum for H(2)S(+)(X (2)B(1)) is found to exhibit weak vibrational progressions due to excitation of the combination bands in the nu(1) (+) symmetric stretching and nu(2) (+) bending modes. While the ionization energy (IE) for H(2)S(+)(X (2)B(1)) obtained here is in accord with values determined in previously laser PFI-PE measurements, the observation of a new PFI-PE band at 12.642+/-0.001 eV suggests that the IE for H(2)S(+)(A (2)A(1)) may be 0.12 eV lower than that reported in the He I study. The simulation of rotational structures resolved in PFI-PE bands shows that the formation of H(2)S(+)(X (2)B(1)) and H(2)S(+)(A (2)A(1)) from photoionization of H(2)S(X (1)A(1)) is dominated by type-C and type-B transitions, respectively. This observation is consistent with predictions of the multichannel quantum defect theory. The small changes in rotational angular momentum observed are consistent with the dominant atomiclike character of the 2b(1) and 5a(1) molecular orbitals of H(2)S. The PFI-PE measurement has revealed perturbations of the (0, 6, 0) K(+)=3 and (0, 6, 0) K(+)=4 bands of H(2)S(+)(A (2)A(1)). Interpreting that these perturbations arise from Renner-Teller interactions at energies close to the common barriers to linearity of the H(2)S(+) (X (2)B(1) and A (2)A(1)) states, we have deduced a barrier of 23,209 cm(-1) for H(2)S(+)(X (2)B(1)) and 5668 cm(-1) for H(2)S(+)(A (2)A(1)). The barrier of 23 209 cm(-1) for H(2)S(+)(X (2)B(1)) is found to be in excellent agreement with the results of previous studies. The vibrational PFI-PE bands for H(2)S(+)(B (2)B(2)) are broad, indicative of the predissociative nature of this state.

Vacuum ultraviolet-infrared photo-induced Rydberg ionization spectroscopy: C–H stretching frequencies for trans-2-butene and trichloroethene cations

We have demonstrated the two-color vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)-infrared (IR) photoinduced Rydberg ionization (PIRI) experiment. Trichloroethene (ClCH=CCl2) and trans-2-butene (trans-CH3CH=CHCH3) were prepared in Rydberg states in the range of effective principal quantum number n* approximately 7-93 by VUV excitation prior to IR-induced autoionization. The observed VUV-IR-PIRI spectra are found to be independent of n*, suggesting that the electron Rydberg orbital is conserved, i.e., the Rydberg electron is behaving as a spectator during the excitation process. The observed IR active C-H stretching vibrational frequencies nu12+ = 3072+/-5 cm(-1) for ClCH=CCl2+ and nu23+ =2908+/-3 cm(-1), nu25+ =2990+/-10 cm(-1) and nu30+ =3022+/-10 cm(-1) for trans-CH3CH=CHCH3+ are compared with predictions based on ab initio quantum-chemical procedures and density functional calculations.

Rovibrational-state-selected photoionization of acetylene by the two-color IR+VUV scheme: observation of rotationally resolved Rydberg transitions

We have demonstrated a rovibrational-state-selected photoionization experiment using an IR laser and high-resolution VUV-synchrotron radiation. The VUV photoionization of acetylene [C2H2(Xtilde; (1)Sigma(+)(g);nu(3)=1,J(')=8 or 10)] prepared by IR excitation reveals three strong autoionizing Rydberg series converging to C2H+2(Xtilde; (2)Pi(u);nu(+)(3)=1) with little ion background interference. Rotational transitions resolved for the Rydberg states provide an estimate of approximately 1.8 ps for their lifetimes. This experiment opens the way for state-selective photoionization studies of polyatomic molecules using VUV-synchrotron radiation.

Exploring factors influencing Chinese women's decision to have elective caesarean surgery

OBJECTIVES

to identify the factors that influence Hong Kong Chinese women's decision to have an elective caesarean section. To explore Chinese women's perceptions of their autonomous involvement in childbirth decision-making.

DESIGN

a qualitative exploratory design.

SETTING

a postnatal ward of a private hospital in Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS

a purposive sample of six postnatal women who had undergone an elective caesarean section.

FINDINGS

four thematic categories were identified including: avoiding fetal and maternal risks, exercising autonomy to make an independent choice, Chinese belief systems, and rejoicing and regretting.

KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

we propose the provision of a 'named' midwife and continuity of care. Improving the availability of information on caesarean sections, accommodating a Chinese belief system in the planning of midwifery services at the international level and establishing post caesarean section peer support groups are recommended.

Co-administration of finasteride and the pure anti-oestrogen ICI 182,780 act synergistically in modulating the IGF system in rat prostate

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed invasive malignancy in males. Androgens and oestrogens have been implicated in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. We report herein that the pure anti-oestrogen ICI 182,780 (ICI) reduces Ki-67 labelling index and IGF-I receptor levels in rat prostate. Increase of IGF-I mRNA and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) accumulation occur without any effect on prostate weight. Finasteride significantly decreases prostate weight and inhibits IGF-I gene expression. IGFBP-3 mRNA, Akt and phospho-Akt are not affected by finasteride. Co-administration of ICI plus finasteride reduces prostate weight by approximately 50% and causes acinar dilation with decreased luminal epithelial cell thickness. The acinar epithelial cells became atrophic and inactive with minimal cytoplasm. We also demonstrate a synergistic effect of ICI and finasteride on induction of IGFBP-3 accumulation and inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. Because the IGF and IGFBP-3 system plays an important role in prostate epithelial cell proliferation, apoptosis and tumour progression, the inhibitory effects of finasteride and ICI on IGF system may contribute to their anti-proliferative activity. These observations support a potential use of ICI in conjunction with finasteride in the prevention and/or treatment of prostate cancer.

Bone marrow-derived cells contribute to tumor neovasculature and, when modified to express an angiogenesis inhibitor, can restrict tumor growth in mice

Inhibition of tumor-induced neovascularization appears to be an effective anticancer approach, although long-term angiogenesis inhibition may be required. An alternative to chronic drug administration is a gene therapy-mediated approach in which long-term in vivo protein expression is established. We have tested this approach by modifying murine bone marrow-derived cells with a gene encoding an angiogenesis inhibitor: a soluble, truncated form of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1). Murine bone marrow cells were transduced with a retroviral vector encoding either truncated, soluble Flk-1 (tsFlk-1) together with green fluorescent protein (GFP) or GFP alone. Tumor growth in mice challenged 3 months after transplantation with tsFlk-1-expressing bone marrow cells was significantly inhibited when compared with tumor growth in control-transplanted mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumors in each group demonstrated colocalization of GFP expression in cells staining with endothelial cell markers, suggesting that the endothelial cells of the tumor-induced neovasculature were derived, at least in part, from bone marrow precursors. These results suggest that long-term expression of a functional angiogenesis inhibitor can be generated through gene-modified, bone marrow-derived stem cells, and that this approach can have significant anticancer efficacy. Modifying these cells seems to have the added potential benefit of targeting transgene expression to the tumor neovasculature, because bone marrow-derived endothelial cell precursors seem to be recruited in the process of tumor-induced angiogenesis.

Cloning and characterization of a novel pregnancy-induced growth inhibitor in mammary gland

Growth factors and growth inhibitors play crucial roles in the growth regulation and differentiation of mammary epithelial cells. Studies have shown that during pregnancy, with the onset of terminal differentiation, there is a dramatic decrease in the proliferation of the mammary epithelial cells. Here we report the cloning and characterization of a novel pregnancy-induced cDNA, OKL38, from a human ovarian cDNA library. This cDNA encodes for a protein of approximately 34.5 kDa. Tissue distribution studies through Northern analyses revealed the ubiquitous nature of OKL38 transcripts in most tissues, with the highest levels observed in the ovary, kidney, and liver. The onset and advancement of pregnancy also gave rise to a concomitant increase in OKL38 gene expression. In situ hybridization revealed that OKL38 mRNA was further detected in mammary secretory epithelial cells. However, low levels of OKL38 transcripts were observed in the various human breast cancer cell lines studied and were barely detectable in all dimethylbenz(A)anthracene-induced mammary tumors examined. Transfection studies with OKL38 cDNA with MCF-7 cells resulted in growth inhibition in vitro and reduction in tumor formation in vivo. These observations led to speculation that OKL38 may play a vital role in the growth regulation and differentiation of breast epithelial cells during pregnancy and its implications in tumorigenesis.

Induction of UO-44 gene expression by tamoxifen in the rat uterus and ovary

A complementary DNA, uterine-ovarian-specific gene 44 (UO-44), has been isolated from tamoxifen-induced rat uterine complementary DNA library using differential display techniques. UO-44 transcripts are found to be abundant in the uterus and ovary. UO-44 gene expression in the uterus is strictly regulated by estrogens, tamoxifen, and GH, whereas the pure antiestrogen ICI 182780 is inhibitory. Treatment of ovariectomized rats and hypophysectomized rats with tamoxifen and GH, respectively, resulted in up-regulation of UO-44 expression in a dose-dependent manner. In situ hybridization revealed that UO-44 gene expression was restricted to the luminal and glandular epithelial cells of the uterus and to granulosa cells of medium-size ovarian follicles. Transfection studies showed that UO-44 was a membrane-associated protein. Because estrogens, tamoxifen, and GH are stimulators of uterine luminal epithelial cell growth in vivo, UO-44 protein may serve as a mediator of the effect of these compounds in inducing epithelial proliferation and differentiation in these tissues.

Induction of apoptosis in mammary gland by a pure anti-estrogen ICI 182780

The antiestrogen, ICI 182780 (ICI) proves to be clinically useful for the treatment of estrogen receptor positive breast tumours. We report the assessment of the in vivo and in vitro effects of ICI on apoptosis of breast epithelial cells. In vivo, administration of rats with ICI for 3 weeks resulted in a reduction in the size of the lobular structures with the rate of mammary epithelial apoptosis equivalent to 10, 35 and 45% on treatment with 1, 1.5 and 2 mg ICI per kg body weight, respectively. Concomitantly, these treatment led to a 2.0-, 2.2- and 2.5-fold increase in Bax. Similar elevations were also observed in Bad levels which increased 1.7-, 2.6- and 2.7-fold respectively in the ICI treatment as compared to controls. This also resulted in a dose dependent decrease in Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein expressions. Growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis were also observed in the MCF-7 cells following in vitro treatment with ICI. This is closely associated with [1] the down-regulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins and [2] upregulation of Bax and Bad, whose gene products are known to be involved the regulation of apoptosis in mammalian cells. Stable over-expression of Bcl-2 resulted in protection of MCF-7 cells from apoptosis and growth inhibitory effects of ICI. Conversely, reduction of Bcl-2 by antisense transfection make MCF-7 cells more sensitive to ICI-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis. These findings suggest that modulation of Bax, Bcl-xL, Bcl-2 and Bad proteins by ICI may be, in part, responsible for the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect of ICI seen clinically and in animal models.

Autocrine expression of both endostatin and green fluorescent protein provides a synergistic antitumor effect in a murine neuroblastoma model

Modalities that act through different mechanisms can often provide synergistic antitumor activity for the treatment of refractory tumors when used in combination. Here we report a gene therapy approach in which the genes for the angiogenesis inhibitor, endostatin, and the marker protein and potent immunogen, green fluorescent protein (GFP), were delivered to murine neuroblastoma cells prior to inoculation of the tumor cells into syngeneic immunocompetent mice. Although the effect of either angiogenesis inhibition or immunomodulation alone resulted in only a modest delay in tumor growth, when these approaches were used in combination, prevention of the formation of appreciable tumors was effected in 15 of 24 (63%) mice. The combination of endostatin and GFP expression elicited a strong immune response that was T cell-mediated and was reactive against both GFP and tumor cell line-specific antigens. This afforded treated mice protection against subsequent tumor challenge with unmodified tumor cells. These results suggest that antiangiogenic and immunotherapy strategies, when used in a gene therapy-mediated approach, can act synergistically in an effective multimodality anticancer approach.