Degradation of ²-O-4 lignin model and related compounds by the ascomyceteChrysonilia sitophila (TFB 27441 strain)

Growth of the ascomyceteChrysonilia sitophila during degradation of lignin model dimers and monomers was compared to a glucose control. An inhibition of growth by Cα-carbonyl monomers and stimulation by β-O-4 lignin model and vanillyl alcohol were observed. A comparison of the degradation by this ascomycete with the basidiomycetePhanerochaete chrysosoporium showed similarities in relation to the type of degradation caused.     

Studies on the conversions of diols and cyclic ethers—49: Stereochemistry of cyclodehydration of 1,4-diols on the action of brönsted and lewis acids: a comprehensive study

The stereochemistry of the cyclodehydration of (±)- and meso-2,5-hexanediol on the action of various dehydrating agents was investigated. The earlier assumed and confirmed intramolecular S_N2 mechanism for acid-catalysed ring-closure was found to hold in most cases. Various extents of racemisation can be observed on the action of certain Lewis acids, and the solvents concentrated H₂SO₄ and HMPT (hexamethyl phosporic acid triamide) under previously unexamined reaction conditions.     

On the generality of a cosmological speculation based on Heisenberg's principle

In a previous work [Hernández-Bermejo, B. (1996) Heisenberg's principle: A cosmological speculation, Speculations in Science and Technology, 19, 253], it was speculated that the lack of homogeneity of the large-scale structure of the universe may be due to quantum fluctuations of space in the early universe. This was argued for a Friedmann-type universe for which both the curvature and the cosmological constant were zero. Here it is shown that the same considerations are valid for arbitrary values of the curvature and .     

Directed ortho-lithiation of unprotected diphenylphosphinic acids

Directed ortho lithiation of diphenylphosphinic acid and subsequent electrophilic trapping provides mono ortho-functionalized derivatives including enantiopure γ-aminophosphinic acids in moderate yields. Copper catalyzed coupling of the ortho anion leads to biphenyl-2,2′-diylbis(phenylphosphinic acid), a phosphorus analogue of biphenyl-2,2′-dicarboxylic acid. Preliminary studies of the metal-binding abilities of this O,O-chelating ligand towards a series of metal cations are included.     

Spectra of fast π + mesons from the π − A → π + X reaction on oxygen and lithium nuclei at 0.59 GeV

The spectra of fast π ⁺ mesons from the π ^? A → π ⁺ X reaction on A=⁶Li, ⁷Li, and ¹⁶O nuclei at a primary momentum of p ₀=0.72 GeV/c (T ₀=0.59 GeV) are measured at emission-angle values in the range ?=0°–14°. The results obtained in this way are compared with experimental data taken in other studies at lower energies and with the results of model calculations. The energy dependence of the cross sections and of shadowing effects is analyzed for the reactions in question that occur on lithium isotopes.     

Vapour—liquid equilibrium of the square-well fluid of variable range via a hybrid simulation approach

The equilibrium between vapour and liquid in a square-well system has been determined by a hybrid simulation approach combining chemical potentials calculated via the Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo technique with pressures calculated by the standard NVT Monte Carlo method. The phase equilibrium was determined from the thermodynamic conditions of equality of pressure and chemical potential between the two phases. The results of this hybrid approach were tested by independent NPT and μPT calculations and are shown to be of much higher accuracy than those of conventional GEMC simulations. The coexistence curves, vapour pressures and critical points were determined for SW systems of interaction ranges λ = 1.25, 1.5, 1.75 and 2. The new results show a systematic dependence on the range λ, in agreement with results from perturbation theory where previous work had shown more erratic behaviour.     

Effect of pressure on the electrical resistivity and magnetism in updsn

The electrical resistivity of a UPdSn single crystal exerted to various hydrostatic pressures was measured as a function of temperature and magnetic field. Clear anomalies in the temperature dependence of resistivity along the c-axis mark the magnetic phase transitions between paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic (AF) state at T _N and the AF1?AF2 transition at T ₁. Large negative magnetoresistance effects have been observed not only in the AF state as a result of the metamagnetic transition to canted structure at B _c , but also at temperatures far above T _N . The latter result is attributed to the existence of AF correlations or short range AF orderings in the paramagnetic range. The value of T _N increases with increasing applied pressure, whereas T ₁ simultaneously decreases. It is also found that B _c decreases with increasing pressure. As a consequence, the stability range of the AF-1 phase expands with applied pressure partially on account of the ground-state AF-2 phase.     

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Laurus nobilis L. and their antioxidant activity

Bay leaves (BL) (Laurus nobilis L., Family: Laureceae) are traditionally used to treat some symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, such as epigastric bloating, impaired digestion, eructing and flatulence. These biological properties are mainly attributed to its phenolic compounds. In this paper, ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Laurus nobilis L. (Laureceae) was studied.Effects of several experimental factors, such as sonication time, solid/liquid ratio and concentration of solvent on extraction of phenolic compounds were evaluated through a randomized complete block design with factorial treatment arrangement (3³). The best extraction conditions were: 1 g plant sample with 12 mL of 35% ethanol, for 40 min, obtaining a yield of phenolic compounds of 17.32 ± 1.52 mg g^?1 of plant. In addition, free radical-scavenging potential of DPPH and lipid oxidation inhibition, by linoleic acid peroxidation of the selected extract was measured in order to evidence their antioxidant properties. Results indicated that high amounts of phenolic compounds can be extracted from L. nobilis by ultrasound-assisted extraction technology.