Inhomogeneous Gevrey classes and ultradistributions

The inhomogeneous Gevrey classes, defined in terms of Fourier transform, are a natural extension of the standard Gevrey classes. We find equivalent characterizations and discuss algebraic and topological properties. We therefore introduce the dual spaces, the inhomogeneous ultradistributions, giving some equivalent definitions and corresponding algebraic and topological properties; in particular, a version of the Paley-Wiener-Schwartz theorem is proved in our framework. Finally, as an important example, the multianisotropic Gevrey classes and ultradistributions are considered.     

A decomposition heuristics for the container ship stowage problem

In this paper we face the problem of stowing a containership, referred to as the Master Bay Plan Problem (MBPP); this problem is difficult to solve due to its combinatorial nature and the constraints related to both the ship and the containers. We present a decomposition approach that allows us to assign a priori the bays of a containership to the set of containers to be loaded according to their final destination, such that different portions of the ship are independently considered for the stowage. Then, we find the optimal solution of each subset of bays by using a 0/1 Linear Programming model. Finally, we check the global ship stability of the overall stowage plan and look for its feasibility by using an exchange algorithm which is based on local search techniques. The validation of the proposed approach is performed with some real life test cases. This work has been developed within the research area: “The harbour as a logistic node” of the Italian Centre of Excellence on Integrated Logistics (CIELI) of the University of Genoa, Italy     

Membrane-immobilized haptoglobin as affinity matrix for a hemoglobin-A1c immunosensor

An amperometric immunosensor for hemoglobin-A1c (HbA1c) determination has been developed utilizing membrane-immobilized haptoglobin as affinity matrix fixed in front of a Pt-working electrode. The HbA1c assay was carried out in a two-step procedure including the selective hemoglobin enrichment on the sensor surface and the specific HbA1c detection by a glucose oxidase (GOx) labeled anti-HbA1c antibody. Hydrogen peroxide generated by the enzyme label was oxidized at +600 mV versus Ag/AgCl. A standard curve for HbA1c was obtained with a linear range between 0 and 25% HbA1c of total hemoglobin which correspond to 7.8–39 nM. ELISA studies confirmed the advantage of a sandwich-type format with haptoglobin as capture molecule for selective hemoglobin binding over the direct adsorption method. Results by the sandwich immunoassay showed a linear correlation within the clinically relevant range 5–20% (CV < 3). For sensor application the immobilization procedure of haptoglobin onto CDI-activated cellulose membranes was optimized.     

The effect of the anion on the physical properties of trihalide-based N,N-dialkylimidazolium ionic liquids

Low viscosity, high density trihalide-based 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ionic liquids have been prepared and characterised. Key physical properties (density, conductivity, melting point, refractive index, surface tension and diffusion coefficient) of the ionic liquids have been determined and are compared with those of other 1,3-dialkylimidazolium molten salts. The relationship between anion identity and the physical properties of the ionic liquids under investigation is discussed.     

Shape recognition of alkylammonium ions by 1,3-bridged calix[5]arene crown-6 ethers: endo- vs exo-cavity complexation

A series of tri-O-substituted 1,3-bridged calix[5]arene crown-6 ethers bearing alkyl, arylalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, and alkoxycarbonylmethyl residues at the lower rim and either (t)()Bu or H substituents at the upper rim have been synthesized. (1)H NMR studies have shown that p-tert-butylcalix[5]crowns, irrespective of the size and nature of their lower rim pendant groups, adopt preorganized conelike conformations, whereas p-H-calix[5]crowns with bulky substituents preferentially exist in solution as partial cone conformers (C(1) symmetry). Calix[5]crown derivatives behave as mono- or ditopic receptors for isomeric butylammonium ions, forming endo-cavity (inside the calixarene cup) and/or exo-cavity (at the crown ether moiety) 1:1 complexes according to the shape of the guest. These two binding modes can be clearly distinguished and monitored by (1)H NMR titration experiments.     

Effect of support on the synergy in HDS of thiophene and HDN of pyridine over Mo sulfide catalysts promoted by Rh

The effect of support (SiO₂-Al₂O₃, Al₂O₃,MgO) of the Rh-Mo(S) sulfide catalysts on the synergy in hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of thiophene and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) of pyridine was studied. The synergy in HDS was between 7–10 regardless of the kind of support used. The synergy in HDN varied from none over the MgO supported sample to about 3 over SiO₂-Al₂O₃ supported catalyst, in accord with the positive effect of increasing support acidities. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Reactivity of 3d transition metal cations in diethylene glycol solutions. Synthesis of transition metal ferrites with the structure of discrete nanoparticles complexed with long-chain carboxylate anions

Study of the reactivity of 3d transition metal cations in diethylene glycol solutions revealed several key features that made it possible to develop a new method for synthesis of the nanocrystalline transition metal ferrites. The 3-7 nm particles of [MFe2O4]n[O2CR]m, where M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Zn, ligated on their surface with long-chain carboxylate anions, have been obtained in an isolated yield of 75-90%. The key features are the following. Complexation of the first-row transition metal cations with diethylene glycol at a presence of alkaline hydroxide is sufficient to enable control over the rate of their hydrolysis. The reaction of hydrolysis leads to the formation of metal oxide nanocrystals in colloidal solution. The nanoparticles growth is terminated by an added long-chain carboxylic acid, which binds to their surface and acts as a capping ligand. The isolated nanocrystalline powders are stable against agglomeration and highly soluble in nonpolar organic solvents.     

Determination of picotamide in human plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of picotamide in human plasma and urine is described. After addition of an internal standard (bamifylline), the plasma and urine samples were subjected to liquid-liquid extraction and clean-up procedures. The final extracts were evaporated to dryness and the resulting residues were reconstituted in 100 microliters of methanol-water (50:50, v/v) and chromatographed on a LiChrosorb RP-SELECT B reversed-phase column coupled to an ultraviolet detector monitored at 230 nm. Chromatographic analysis takes about 10 min per sample. The assay was linear over a wide range and has a limit of detection of 0.005 and 0.1 micrograms/ml in plasma and urine, respectively. It was selective for picotamide, accurate and robust and thus suitable for routine assays after therapeutic doses of picotamide.