Noncovalent cross-links in context with other structural and functional elements of proteins

Proteins are heteropolymers with evolutionary selected native sequences of residues. These native sequences code for unique and stable 3D structures indispensable for biochemical activity and for proteolysis resistance, the latter which guarantees an appropriate lifetime for the protein in the protease rich cellular environment. Cross-links between residues close in space but far in the primary structure are required to maintain the folded structure of proteins. Some of these cross-links are covalent, most frequently disulfide bonds, but the majority of the cross-links are sets of cooperative noncovalent long-range interactions. In this paper we focus on special clusters of noncovalent long-range interactions: the Stabilization Centers (SCs). The relation between the SCs and secondary structural elements as well as the relation between SCs and functionally important regions of proteins are presented to show a detailed picture of these clusters, which are believed to be primarily responsible for major aspects of protein stability.     

Double exchange model for magnetic hexaborides

A microscopic theory for rare-earth ferromagnetic hexaborides, such as Eu1-xCaxB6, is proposed on the basis of the double-exchange Hamiltonian. In these systems, the reduced carrier concentrations place the Fermi level near the mobility edge, introduced in the spectral density by the disordered spin background. We show that the transport properties such as the Hall effect, magnetoresistance, frequency dependent conductivity, and dc resistivity can be quantitatively described within the model. We also make specific predictions for the behavior of the Curie temperature T(C) as a function of the plasma frequency omega(p).     

Experimental evidence for a light and broad scalar resonance in D(+) --> pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decay

From a sample of 1172 +/- 61 D(+)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decays, we find gamma(D(+)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+))/gamma(D(+)-->K-pi(+)pi(+)) = 0.0311 +/- 0.0018(+0.0016)(-0.0026). Using a coherent amplitude analysis to fit the Dalitz plot of these decays, we find strong evidence that a scalar resonance of mass 478(+24)(-23) +/- 17 MeV/c(2) and width 324(+42)(-40) +/- 21 MeV/c(2) accounts for approximately half of all decays.     

The homotopy Lie algebra of symplectomorphism groups of 3-fold blow-ups of the projective plane

By a result of Kedra and Pinsonnault, we know that the topology of groups of symplectomorphisms of symplectic 4-manifolds is complicated in general. However, in all known (very specific) examples, the rational cohomology rings of symplectomorphism groups are finitely generated. In this paper, we compute the rational homotopy Lie algebra of symplectomorphism groups of the 3-point blow-up of the projective plane (with an arbitrary symplectic form) and show that in some cases, depending on the sizes of the blow-ups, it is infinite dimensional. Moreover, we explain how the topology is generated by the toric structures one can put on the manifold. Our method involve the study of the space of almost complex structures compatible with the symplectic structure and it depends on the inflation technique of Lalonde–McDuff.     

Natural-based plasticizers and biopolymer films: A review

In recent years, much attention has been focused on research to replace petroleum-based commodity plastics, in a cost-effective manner, with biodegradable materials offering competitive mechanical properties. Biopolymers have been considered as the most promising materials for this purpose. However, they generally present poor mechanical properties regarding processability and end-use application, since the fragility and brittleness exhibited during thermoformation can limit their potential for application. In order to overcome this problem, plasticizers are added to provide the necessary workability to biopolymers. This class of products became more visible when biodegradable additives and plasticizers also became the focus of material scientists. The use of natural and/or biodegradable plasticizers, with low toxicity and good compatibility with several plastics, resins, rubber and elastomers in substitution of conventional plasticizers, such as phthalates and other synthetic conventional plasticizers attracted the market along with the increasing worldwide trend towards use of biopolymers. Here we discuss the main results and developments in natural plasticizer/synthetic and biopolymer-based films during the last decades.     

Characterization of natural cellulosic fibers from Yucca aloifolia L. leaf as potential reinforcement of polymer composites

Cellulose - In this work lignocellulosic fibers were obtained from Yucca aloifolia L. leaves and their chemical, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties were studied. The fibers were...     

Micro energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis of polychrome lead-glazed Portuguese faiences

Several glazed ceramic pieces, originally produced in Coimbra (Portugal), were submitted to elemental analysis, having as premise the pigment manufacture production recognition. Although having been produced in Coimbra, their location changed as time passed due to historical reasons. A recent exhibition in Coimbra brought together a great number of these pieces and in situ micro Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (µ-EDXRF) analyses were performed in order to achieve some chemical and physical data on the manufacture of faiences in Coimbra.     

Matrix Riemann-Hilbert problems and factorization on Riemann surfaces

The Wiener-Hopf factorization of 2×2 matrix functions and its close relation to scalar Riemann-Hilbert problems on Riemann surfaces is investigated. A family of function classes denoted C(Q₁,Q₂) is defined. To each class C(Q₁,Q₂) a Riemann surface Σ is associated, so that the factorization of the elements of C(Q₁,Q₂) is reduced to solving a scalar Riemann-Hilbert problem on Σ. For the solution of this problem, a notion of Σ-factorization is introduced and a factorization theorem is presented. An example of the factorization of a function belonging to the group of exponentials of rational functions is studied. This example may be seen as typical of applications of the results of this paper to finite-dimensional integrable systems.     

Refractive and geometric lens characterization through multi-wavelength digital speckle pattern interferometry

Physical parameters of different types of lenses were measured through digital speckle pattern interferometry (DSPI) using a multimode diode laser as light source. When such lasers emit two or more longitudinal modes simultaneously the speckle image of an object appears covered of contour fringes. By performing the quantitative fringe evaluation the radii of curvature as well as the refractive indexes of the lenses were determined. The fringe quantitative evaluation was carried out through the four- and the eight-stepping techniques and the branch-cut method was employed for phase unwrapping. With all these parameters the focal length was calculated. This whole-field multi-wavelength method does enable the characterization of spherical and aspherical lenses and of positive and negative ones as well.