Rapid DNA hybridization analysis using a PDMS microfluidic sensor and a molecular beacon.

A rapid DNA analysis has been developed based on a fluorescence intensity change of a molecular beacon in a PDMS microfluidic channel. Recently, we reported a new analytical method of DNA hybridization involving a PDMS microfluidic sensor using fluorescence energy transfer (FRET). However, there are some limitations in its application to real DNA samples because the target DNA must be labelled with a suitable fluorescent dye. To resolve this problem, we have developed a new DNA microfluidic sensor using a molecular beacon. By monitoring the change in the restored fluorescence intensity along the channel length, it is possible to rapidly detect any hybridization of the molecular beacon to the target DNA. In this case, the target DNA does not need to be labelled. Our experimental results demonstrate that this microfluidic sensor using a molecular beacon is a promising diagnostic tool for rapid DNA hybridization analysis.     

A discontinuous Galerkin method for the Cahn-Hilliard equation

The Cahn-Hilliard equation is modeled to describe the dynamics of phase separation in glass and polymer systems. A priori error estimates for the Cahn-Hilliard equation have been studied by the authors. In order to control accuracy of approximate solutions, a posteriori error estimation of the Cahn-Hilliard equation is obtained by discontinuous Galerkin method.     

Macrodasine A, a novel macroline derivative incorporating fused spirocyclic tetrahydrofuran rings containing a spiroacetal moiety

A novel indole alkaloid, viz., macrodasine A, incorporating fused spirocyclic tetrahydrofuran rings onto a macroline-like moiety, was obtained from a Malayan Alstonia species. The structure, which is also notable for the presence of an unprecedented spiroacetal moiety in an indole alkaloid, was established by spectroscopic analysis.     

An improved scheme for the identification of antigens recognized by specific antibodies in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting

This paper describes an improved scheme for the identification of antigens in crude extracts recognized by specific antibodies when analyzed by a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. First, protein components in gels are electrophoretically transferred to a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane which does not shrink or change dimensions in organic solvents. The efficiency of transfer and the localization of sample proteins on the membrane are checked and recorded by staining the blotting membrane with Fast Green FCF and recording the profile on a transparency. After blocking and the immunoassay, the results are recorded by photography. The sites of immune reaction are marked and the same membrane is restained briefly with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 for the protein profile. Thus antigens in complex mixtures, recognized by antibodies of interest, can easily be identified from the restained membrane. If the whole protein profile is not well demonstrated, when used in combination with the profile recorded on the transparency, spots appearing on the restained membrane can still be used as useful landmarks in the final unequivocal antigenic identification. This improved scheme circumvents problems arising from membrane shrinkage and difficulties in accurately matching immunoreactive spots by conventional procedures and thus provides an accurate, simple and fast approach in the identification of antigens after immunoblotting.     

Unusual spirocyclic macroline alkaloids, nitrogenous derivatives, and a cytotoxic bisindole from Alstonia

The bark extract of the Malayan A. macrophylla provided several novel indoles with unprecedented carbon skeletons, an unusual nitrogenous compound, a cytotoxic bisindole, several new macroline alkaloids, in addition to other known alkaloids. The structures of the new compounds were established by spectroscopic analysis.     

A theoretical investigation into the conformational changes of dibenzo-p-dioxin, thianthrene, and selenanthrene

Theoretical ab initio calculations using the HF and B3LYP methods have been carried out to investigate the conformational differences of three cyclic rings, dibenzo-p-dioxin (DPD), thianthrene (THT), and selenanthrene (SET). The physical origin for the conformational preference of each molecule has been studied using the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The NBO results indicate that DPD exists in a planar form due to strong electron delocalization caused by the specific orbital interaction, around the X atom. On the other hand, THT and SET exist as puckered forms with high inversion barriers due to less effective electron delocalization. The NBO analysis also shows that the conformational stabilization in DPD is caused by a more effective overlap of the orbitals, compared with the overlap of the orbitals in THT.     

Metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies of propionylpromazine in horses

The propionylpromazine concentrations in plasma after intramuscular administration to horses were determined using gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection. After hydrolysis by beta-glucuronidase/arylsulphatase, the parent drug and three metabolites were detected in urine. The metabolites were identified as 2-(1-hydroxypropyl)promazine, 2-(1-propenyl)promazine and 7-hydroxypropionylpromazine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. No N-demethylated or sulphoxidated metabolites of propionylpromazine were observed in the horse urine.     

Kopsifolines A–F: a New Structural Class of Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids from Kopsia

Six new indole alkaloids, named kopsifolines A–F ( 1 – 6 ), with an unprecedented hexacyclic carbon skeleton, constituting a new structural group of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, were obtained from the leaf extract of a Malayan Kopsia species, and their structures were established by spectroscopic analysis.     

Improved Optimum Radius for Robust Stability of Schur Polynomials

An approach based on the Rouché theorem was introduced in the literature to compute the optimum radius for robust stability of Schur polynomials. Later an attempt was made to improve the result, but it was shown to be incorrect. The purpose of this note is to show that an improved optimum radius still can be obtained by modifying the proposed method. The result of this note can be easily extended to the multidimensional cases.