Variable stars in the globular cluster NGC 7492. New discoveries and physical parameters determination

We have performed a photometric V, R, I CCD time-series analysis with a baseline of ~8 years of the outer-halo globular cluster NGC 7492 with the aim of searching for new variables and using these (and the previously known variables) to determine the physical parameters of interest for the cluster (e.g. metallicity, absolute magnitude of the horizontal branch, distance, etc.). We use difference image analysis (DIA) to extract precise light curves in the relatively crowded star field, especially towards the densely populated central region. Several approaches are used for variability detection that recover the known variables and lead to new discoveries. We determine the physical parameters of the only RR0 star using light curve Fourier decomposition analysis. We find one new long period variable and two SX Phe stars in the blue straggler region. We also present one candidate SX Phe star which requires follow-up observations. Assuming that the SX Phe stars are cluster members and using the period-luminosity relation for these stars, we estimate their distances as ~25.2+-1.8 and 26.8+-1.8 kpc, and identify their possible modes of oscillation. We refine the periods of the two RR Lyrae stars in our field of view. We find that the RR1 star V2 is undergoing a period change and possibly exhibits the Blazhko effect. Fourier decomposition of the light curve of the RR0 star V1 allows us to estimate the metallicity [Fe/H]_ZW-1.68+-0.10 or [Fe/H]_UVES-1.64+-0.13, log-luminosity ~1.76+-0.02, absolute magnitude ~0.38+-0.04 mag, and true distance modulus of ~16.93+-0.04 mag, which is equivalent to a distance of ~24.3+-0.5 kpc. All of these values are consistent with previous estimates in the literature.Comment: 12 pages, 13 figures, 6 tables, accepted for publication in A&

Constraining the parameters of globular cluster NGC 1904 from its variable star population

We present the analysis of 11 nights of V and I time-series observations of the globular cluster NGC 1904 (M 79). Using this we searched for variable stars in this cluster and attempted to refine the periods of known variables, making use of a time baseline spanning almost 8 years. We use our data to derive the metallicity and distance of NGC 1904. We used difference imaging to reduce our data to obtain high-precision light curves of variable stars. We then estimated the cluster parameters by performing a Fourier decomposition of the light curves of RR Lyrae stars for which a good period estimate was possible. We also derive an estimate for the age of the cluster by fitting theoretical isochrones to our colour-magnitude diagram (CMD). Out of 13 stars previously classified as variables, we confirm that 10 are bona fide variables. We cannot detect variability in one other within the precision of our data, while there are two which are saturated in our data frames, but we do not find sufficient evidence in the literature to confirm their variability. We also detect a new RR Lyrae variable, giving a total number of confirmed variable stars in NGC 1904 of 11. Using the Fourier parameters, we find a cluster metallicity [Fe/H]_ZW=-1.63 +- 0.14, or [Fe/H]_UVES=-1.57 \pm 0.18, and a distance of 13.3 +- 0.4 kpc (using RR0 variables) or 12.9 kpc (using the one RR1 variable in our sample for which Fourier decomposition was possible).Comment: 14 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publication in A&

The unusually large population of Blazhko variables in the globular cluster NGC 5024 (M53)

We report the discovery of amplitude and phase modulations typical of the Blazhko effect in 22 RRc and 9 RRab type RR Lyrae stars in NGC 5024 (M53). This brings the confirmed Blazhko variables in this cluster to 23 RRc and 11 RRab, that represent 66% and 37% of the total population of RRc and RRab stars in the cluster respectively, making NGC 5024 the globular cluster with the largest presently known population of Blazhko RRc stars. We place a lower limit on the overall incidence rate of the Blazhko effect among the RR Lyrae population in this cluster of 52%. New data have allowed us to refine the pulsation periods. The limitations imposed by the time span and sampling of our data prevents reliable estimations of the modulation periods. The amplitudes of the modulations range between 0.02 and 0.39 mag. The RRab and RRc are neatly separated in the CMD, and the RRc Blazhko variables are on averge redder than their stable couterparts; these two facts may support the hypothesis that the HB evolution in this cluster is towards the red and that the Blazhko modulations in the RRc stars are connected with the pulsation mode switch.Comment: ACCEPTED IN MNRAS 14 pages, 9 figures and 6 table

Structural studies of (rac)-BIPHEN organomagnesiates and intermediates in the halogen-metal exchange of 2-Bromopyridine

Four lithium magnesiate complexes (2−5) containing the dianionic (rac)-BIPHEN ligand have been prepared and characterized using X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. (THF)3·Li2Mg{(rac)-BIPHEN}nBu2, 2, (THF)3·Li2Mg{(rac)-BIPHEN}(CH2SiMe3)2, 3, and (THF)2·Li2Mg{(rac)-BIPHEN}neoPe2, 4, have been prepared by complexation of the appropriate dialkylmagnesium compound with in situ prepared Li(rac)-BIPHEN in a mixture of hydrocarbon/THF. For all structures, the Mg centers are four-coordinate (and retain the alkyl groups); however, in 2 and 3 the two Li centers have different coordination spheres (one binding to one THF molecule, the other to two). The solid-state structures of 2 and 3 are essentially isostructural with that of 4 except that both Li atoms in this molecule have equivalent coordination spheres. The solution behaviors of these three molecules have been studied by 1H, 13C, and DOSY NMR spectroscopy. During the synthesis of 2, it was discovered that a (rac)-BIPHEN-rich (or n-butyl-free) lithium magnesiate, (THF)4Li2Mg{(rac)-BIPHEN}fo2, 2b, could be isolated. The lithium precursor to 2−5, (THF)4·Li4{(rac)-BIPHEN)}2, 1, has also been isolated. Within the molecular structure of this tetranuclear complex, there are three different Li coordination environments. Finally, 2 has already shown promise as a reagent in a halogen−metal exchange reaction with 2-bromopyridine. The structural chemistry at play in this reaction was probed by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The organometallic intermediate pyridyl-magnesiated 5, (THF)2·Li2Mg{(rac)-BIPHEN}(2-pyridyl)2, was isolated in high yield

Redirecting research efforts on the diversification-performance linkage: The search for synergy

We review the literature on the diversification-performance (D-P) relationship to a) propose that the time is ripe for a renewed attack on understanding the relationship between diversification and firm performance, and b) outline a new approach to attacking the question. Our paper makes four main contributions. First, through a review of the literature we establish the inherent complexities in the D-P relationship and the methodological challenges confronted by the literature in reaching its current conclusion of a non-linear relationship between diversification and performance. Second, we argue that to better guide managers the literature needs to develop along a complementary path – whereas past research has often focused on answering the big question of does diversification affect firm performance, this second path would focus more on identifying the precise micro-mechanisms through which diversification adds or subtracts value. Third, we outline a new approach to the investigation of this topic, based on (a) identifying the precise underlying mechanisms through which diversification affects performance; (b) identifying performance outcomes that are “proximate” to the mechanism that the researcher is studying, and (c) identifying an appropriate research design that can enable a causal claim. Finally, we outline a set of directions for future research

Chemistry of 1-Fluoro-2,3,4-triphenylcyclobutadiene Dimers

The reaction of 2,4-dichloro-1,1-difluoro-3-phenyl-2-cyclobutene 1 with excess phenyllithium and subsequent transformations of the products have been reinvestigated. The phenyllithium reaction appears to proceed through the intermediacy of a fluorotriphenylcyclobutadiene 2 to produce a well-characterized dimeric trans-hexaphenyldifluorotricyclooctadiene 3a. Subsequent transformations of 3a gave a pentaphenyldihydrodifluoropentalene 4, which on acid hydrolysis formed a pentaphenyldihydropentalenone 5. When 3a was photolyzed in benzene, after purification, it afforded 6, an isomer of 5, probably by way of 7, an isomer of 4. Thermolysis of 3a also provided, in low yield, a substance believed to be a pentaphenylfluorophenanthrene 8. Along with isolation of 3a, and probably arising from a different isomer of the 3 family, was a pentaphenylfluorophenanthrene 9, which was suspected of being an isomer of 8. Single-crystal X-ray studies were used to derive structures for 4, 5, 6, and 9. Formation of the unusual and intriguing transformation products has at least been rationalized

Chemistry of 1-Fluoro-2,3,4-triphenylcyclobutadiene Dimers

The reaction of 2,4-dichloro-1,1-difluoro-3-phenyl-2-cyclobutene 1 with excess phenyllithium and subsequent transformations of the products have been reinvestigated. The phenyllithium reaction appears to proceed through the intermediacy of a fluorotriphenylcyclobutadiene 2 to produce a well-characterized dimeric trans-hexaphenyldifluorotricyclooctadiene 3a. Subsequent transformations of 3a gave a pentaphenyldihydrodifluoropentalene 4, which on acid hydrolysis formed a pentaphenyldihydropentalenone 5. When 3a was photolyzed in benzene, after purification, it afforded 6, an isomer of 5, probably by way of 7, an isomer of 4. Thermolysis of 3a also provided, in low yield, a substance believed to be a pentaphenylfluorophenanthrene 8. Along with isolation of 3a, and probably arising from a different isomer of the 3 family, was a pentaphenylfluorophenanthrene 9, which was suspected of being an isomer of 8. Single-crystal X-ray studies were used to derive structures for 4, 5, 6, and 9. Formation of the unusual and intriguing transformation products has at least been rationalized