Modular Synthetic Approach to Carboranyl‒Biomolecules Conjugates

The development of novel, tumor-selective and boron-rich compounds as potential agents for use in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) represents a very important field in cancer treatment by radiation therapy. Here, we report the design and synthesis of two promising compounds that combine meta-carborane, a water-soluble monosaccharide and a linking unit, namely glycine or ethylenediamine, for facile coupling with various tumor-selective biomolecules bearing a free amino or carboxylic acid group. In this work, coupling experiments with two selected biomolecules, a coumarin derivative and folic acid, were included. The task of every component in this approach was carefully chosen: the carborane moiety supplies ten boron atoms, which is a tenfold increase in boron content compared to the l-boronophenylalanine (l-BPA) presently used in BNCT; the sugar moiety compensates for the hydrophobic character of the carborane; the linking unit, depending on the chosen biomolecule, acts as the connection between the tumor-selective component and the boron-rich moiety; and the respective tumor-selective biomolecule provides the necessary selectivity. This approach makes it possible to develop a modular and feasible strategy for the synthesis of readily obtainable boron-rich agents with optimized properties for potential applications in BNCT.     

Convergence of generalized conjugate partial Fourier integrals

Generalized conjugate partial Fourier integrals are used to find jumps of functions. The rate of convergence is studied and sharp results are obtained.     

Pressure effects on the quadrupole coupling constant of 7Li in first stage lithium graphite

The pressure dependence of the experimental ⁷Li NMR spectra is reported for first stage lithium graphite (LiC₆) intercalation compound at temperatures T = 232 and 293 K. This experiment together with the presented point charge model calculation of the ⁷Li quadrupole coupling constant $\text{(}\text{e}{}^2\text{qQ}\text{h}\text{)}$ allows an unambiguous determination of the sign of e²qQ/h which is negative: $\text{e}{}^2\text{qQ}\text{h=-52 kHz}$ at p = 1 bar and T = 232 K. The averaged location of the electrons transferred from the Li intercalant to the graphite layers, as estimated in this study, is in excellent agreement with earlier theoretical energy-band calculations. The compressibility of LiC₆ in the c-direction is predicted to be k_c = 1.7 × 10^-12cm²dyn^-1, it agrees with estimates derived from the available phonon dispersion relations.     

Artinian level modules and cancellable sequences

In order to use dualization to study Hilbert functions of artinian level algebras we extend the notion of level sequences and cancellable sequences, introduced by Geramita and Lorenzini, to include Hilbert functions of certain artinian modules. As in the case of algebras a level sequence is cancellable, but now by dualization its reverse is also cancellable which gives a new condition on level sequences. We also give a characterization of the cancellable sequences involving Macaulay representations.     

QED interconnection effects on W momentum distributions at LEP 2

The process ${? e}^{+}{? e}^{-}?ghtarrow {? W}^{+}{? W}^{-}?ghtarrow {? f}_{1}{?erline {? f}}_{2}{? f}_{3}{?erline {? f}}_{4}$ contains charges in the initial, intermediate and final stages. This gives a rich selection of possible QED interconnection effects. Coulomb interaction is the simplest of these, and can thus be used to explore consequences. We study a number of experimental observables, with emphasis on those related to the W momentum distribution. Second-order Coulomb effects are shown to be practically negligible. The limited LEP 2 statistics will not allow detailed tests, so any theory uncertainty will be reflected in the systematic error on the W mass. Currently the uncertainty from this source may be as high as 20 MeV.     

Comparison between Eulerian and Lagrangian semi-analytical models to simulate the pollutant dispersion in the PBL

In this work we display a numerical comparison, under statistical and computational point of view, between semi-analytical Eulerian and Lagrangian dispersion models to simulate the ground-level concentration values of a passive pollutant released from a low height source. The Eulerian approach is based on the solution of the advection–diffusion equation by the Laplace transform technique. The Lagrangian approach is based on solution of the Langevin equation through the Picard’s Iterative Method. Turbulence inputs are calculated according to a parameterization capable of generating continuous values in all stability conditions and in all heights of the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL). Numerical simulations and comparisons show a good agreement between predicted and observed concentrations values. The comparison reveals the main advantages and disadvantages between the models.     

Narrow linewidth 2 μm optical parametric oscillation in periodically poled LiNbO<Subscript>3</Subscript> with volume Bragg grating outcoupler

An optical parametric oscillator using a periodically poled LiNbO₃ crystal and a volume Bragg grating output coupler is presented. Signal and idler wavelengths of 2008 and 2264 nm were generated from the 1064 nm Nd:YVO₄ pump laser. The Bragg grating was reflecting in a narrow band around 2008 nm, creating a purely singly resonant cavity. Signal and idler linewidths of approximately 0.44 and 0.72 nm, respectively, were measured. This is a reduction of 80 and 60 times compared to when using a mirror as output coupler. A total output energy of 156 μJ was measured with 47% slope efficiency. PACS 42.65.Yj; 42.72.Ai; 42.40.Eq