Generalized entropy in expanded semigroups and in algebras with neutral element

The complex product of (non-empty) subalgebras of a given algebra from a variety \(\mathcal{V}\) is again a subalgebra if and only if the variety \(\mathcal{V}\) has the so-called generalized entropic property. This paper is devoted to algebras with a neutral element or with a semigroup operation. We investigate relationships between the generalized entropic property and the commutativity of the fundamental operations of the algebra. In particular, we characterize the algebras with a neutral element that have the generalized entropic property. Furthermore, we show that, similarly as for n-monoids and n-groups, for inverse semigroups, the generalized entropic property is equivalent to commutativity.     

Determination of acoustic parameters in flow fields using OpenFOAM

In the present paper a Computational Aero Acoustics approach based on Lighthill's and Curle's Acoustic Analogies was implemented in OpenFOAM 2.1.1. The novel developed OpenFOAM application solvers acousticFoam and acousticRhoFoam can be used for transient incompressible and compressible simulations respectively. The CAA approach takes High Performance Computing environment into account and realize the computation of flow and acoustic fields within the acoustical near field on one mesh only. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The E(4) Πu state in K2 and its perturbations

The E(4) ¹Π_u←X ¹Σ⁺_g band system of the K₂ molecule is investigated by the technique of Doppler-free optical–optical double resonance polarization spectroscopy. The observed vibrational levels v=0 to 9 of the E state are subject to numerous rotational perturbations by the neighboring 4 ³Π_u, 4 ¹Σ⁺_u, and 5 ³Σ⁺_u electronic states. By using deperturbation methods, the potential curves of the 4 ¹Π_u and 4 ³Π_u states are determined as well as some properties of the 4 ¹Σ⁺_u and 5 ³Σ⁺_u state potentials. The results are compared with predictions of ab initio calculations.     

Mechanical model of lung parenchyma as a two-phase porous medium

The anatomy and geometry of the lung at the micro- and macroscopic level have been described briefly. A notion of lung parenchyma — a macroscopically continuous medium whose mechanical properties result from those of microstructural components — has been adapted. Simplifying assumptions propounded in the constitutive model have been discussed. Two phases have been distinguished in the medium: the solid phase — a highly deformable, nonlinearly elastic skeleton in the form of a thin-walled tissue structure on the micro-scale — and the fluid phase — perfect gas (air) filterating through the structure. General constitutive relations for both phases and their mechanical interactions have ben formulated. Further, the fundamental set of differential equations of the quasi-static coupled problem has been developed. Large deformations, material nonlinearities, and dependence of permeability on skeleton deformation have been included. Matrix formulation of the problem has been presented from the point of view of the finite element method. An implicit iterative time integration scheme has been proposed. The algorithm has been illustrated with results of simple numerical tests.     

Phenanthriporphyrin: An Antiaromatic Aceneporphyrinoid as a Ligand for a Hypervalent Organophosphorus(V) Moiety

The incorporation of a phenanthrene moiety into a porphyrin framework results in the formation of a hybrid macrocycle—phenanthriporphyrin—merging the structural features of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and porphyrins. An antiaromatic aceneporphyrinoid, adopting the trianionic {CCNN} core, is suitable for the incorporation of a phosphorus(V) center to form a hypervalent organophosphorus(V) derivative.     

NKT cell-dependent glycolipid–peptide vaccines with potent anti-tumour activity

It is known that T cells can eliminate tumour cells through recognition of unique or aberrantly expressed antigens presented as peptide epitopes by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the tumour cell surface. With recent advances in defining tumour-associated antigens, it should now be possible to devise therapeutic vaccines that expand specific populations of anti-tumour T cells. However there remains a need to develop simpler efficacious synthetic vaccines that possess clinical utility. We present here the synthesis and analysis of vaccines based on conjugation of MHC-binding peptide epitopes to α-galactosylceramide, a glycolipid presented by the nonpolymorphic antigen-presenting molecule CD1d to provoke the stimulatory activity of type I natural killer T (NKT) cells. The chemical design incorporates an enzymatically cleavable linker that effects controlled release of the active components in vivo. Chemical and biological analysis of different linkages with different enzymatic targets enabled selection of a synthetic vaccine construct with potent therapeutic anti-tumour activity in mice, and marked in vitro activity in human blood.     

Trace metal analyses in honey samples from selected countries. A potential use in bio-monitoring

Honey is a sweet product made by bees using nectar from flowers. Concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb and Cd were determined in 13 honey samples from the selected regions around the world. Levels of Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Potassium concentration was determined via flame photometry. Concentrations of Cd and Pb were determined using the electrothermal technique (ETAAS). It was estimated that the examined samples of honey from Greece, Turkey, Spain, Poland, Mexico, Argentina and Italy were of good quality in terms of metal concentrations (compliant with the norms referring to food products – WHO, Fifty-third Report of the joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives; Technical Report Series 776, Geneva), although the analysed samples were not free of heavy metals. The concentrations of the elements in the honey samples ranged from 2.38 to 9.31 μg · g^?1 for Zn, from 3.86 to 35.10 μg · g^?1 for Fe, from 0.19 to 21.64 μg · g^?1 for Mn, from 49.53 to 1006.90 μg · g^?1 for Ca, from 388.25 to 4761.50 μg · g^?1 for K and from 0.20 to 1.53 μg · g^?1 for Cu and regarding heavy metals from 0.11 to 2.78 μg · g^?1 for Pb and from 0.02 to 0.44 μg · g^?1 for Cd. According to these results it was found that the concentrations of heavy metals in the honey samples (except for alfalfa honey and eucalyptus honey from Italy) were under the acceptable limits for foods set out by the FAO/WHO. It was confirmed that the application of chemometric tools supports the extraction of significant information from analytical data, even though the availability of samples is not fully sufficient (this problem is often encountered in environmental analyses).     

The review of versatile application of collagen

This review reports recent advances in the versatile application of collagen. Collagen materials have attracted great attention because they exhibit properties required in cosmetic preparations, in the biomedical field, and in the tanning industry leading to leather production. Herein, the structure and application of collagen are discussed in general, and detailed examples are also drawn from scientific literature and practical work. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.