On normal surface singularities and a problem of enriques

We construct families of normal surface singularities with the following property: given any fiat projective connected family V →B of smooth, irreducible, minimal algebraic surfaces, the general singularity in one of our families cannot occur, analytically, on any algebraic surfaces which is Irrationally equivalent to a surface in V→B. In particular this holds for V→B consisting of a single rational surface, thus answering negatively to a long standing problem posed by F. Enriques. In order to prove the above mentioned results, wo develop a general, though elementary, method, based on the consideration of suitable correspondences, for comparing a given family of minimal surfaces with a family of surface singularities. Specifically the method in question gives us the possibility of comparing the parameters on which the two families depend, thus leading to the aforementioned results.     

Classes of 2-step nilpotent lie algebras

We give a characterization of the Lie algebras of H-type independent of the inner product used in the definition. We classify the real 2-step nilpotent Lie algebras with 2-dimensional center. Using these results we give examples of regular Lie algebras that are not H-type.     

Exhaled breath condensate: Determination of non-volatile compounds and their potential for clinical diagnosis and monitoring. A review

Exhaled breath condensate is a promising, non-invasive, diagnostic sample obtained by condensation of exhaled breath. Starting from a historical perspective of early attempts of breath testing towards the contemporary state-of-the-art breath analysis, this review article focuses mainly on the progress in determination of non-volatile compounds in exhaled breath condensate. The mechanisms by which the aerosols/droplets of non-volatile compounds are formed in the airways are discussed with methodological consequences for sampling. Dilution of respiratory droplets is a major problem for correct clinical interpretation of the measured data and there is an urgent need for standardization of EBC. This applies also for collection instrumentation and therefore various commercial and in-house built devices are described and compared with regard to their design, function and collection parameters. The analytical techniques and methods for determination of non-volatile compounds as potential markers of oxidative stress and lung inflammation are scrutinized with an emphasis on method suitability, sensitivity and appropriateness. The relevance of clinical findings for each group of possible non-volatile markers of selected pulmonary diseases and methodological recommendations with emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration that is essential for future development into a fully validated clinical diagnostic tool are given.     

Structure Analysis of Needle-like Copper Tantalum Trisulfide Crystals by XPS and Raman Spectroscopy

High-quality needle-like CuTaS3 single crystals have been synthesized through a chemical vapor transport(CVT)process.Crystallographic data show the special double chains of edge-sharing TaS6 octahedra....     

Mixed multiplicities,Hilbert polynomials and homaloidal surfaces

We investigate the relationship among several numerical invariants associated to a (free) projective hypersurface V : the sequence of mixed multiplicities of its Jacobian ideal, the Hilbert polynomial of its Milnor algebra, and the sequence of exponents when V is free. As a byproduct, we obtain explicit equations for some of the homaloidal surfaces in the projective 3‐dimensional space constructed by C. Ciliberto, F. Russo and A. Simis.     

Sulfonimidamides in Medicinal and Agricultural Chemistry

The synthesis and evaluation of structural analogues and isosteres are of central importance in medicinal and agricultural chemistry. The sulfonamide functional group represents one of the most important amide isosteres in contemporary drug design, and about 500 such compounds have overcome both the pharmacological and regulatory hurdles that precede studies in humans. The mono aza analogues of sulfonamides, that is, sulfonimidamides, are rapidly gaining popularity as a novel functional group among synthetic chemists involved in the design of biologically active compounds for both pharmaceutical and agrochemical applications. Herein, we review these recent developments to showcase the promise of this functional group.