A study of the order dimension of a poset using matrices

In every finite poset (X, ≤) we assign the so called order-matrix , where α_ij ∈ {?2, 0, 1, 2}. Using this matrix, we characterize the order dimension of an arbitrary finite poset.     

Using singlet oxygen to synthesise a [6,6,5]-bis-spiroketal in one-pot from a simple 2,5-disubstituted furan

Singlet oxygen (1O2) proves to be a powerful tool in mediating the one-pot synthesis of a salinomycin-type [6,6,5]-bis-spiroketal unit starting from a suitably substituted furan nucleus.     

Identification and Preliminary Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of 1,5-Dihydrobenzo[e][1,4]oxazepin-2(3H)-ones That Induce Differentiation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells In Vitro

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most aggressive type of blood cancer, and there is a continued need for new treatments that are well tolerated and improve long-term survival rates in patients. Induction of differentiation has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, but known agents lack efficacy in genetically distinct patient populations. Previously, we established a phenotypic screen to identify small molecules that could stimulate differentiation in a range of AML cell lines. Utilising this strategy, a 1,5-dihydrobenzo[e][1,4]oxazepin-2(3H)-one hit compound was identified. Herein, we report the hit validation in vitro, structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and the pharmacokinetic profiles for selected compounds.     

Laser assisted removal of synthetic painting-conservation materials using UV radiation of ns and fs pulse duration: Morphological studies on model samples

In an effort to establish the optimal parameters for the cleaning of complex layers of polymers (mainly based on acrylics, vinyls, epoxys known as Elvacite, Laropal, Paraloid B72, among others) applied during past conservation treatments on the surface of wall paintings, laser cleaning tests were performed with particular emphasis on the plausible morphological modifications induced in the remaining polymeric material. Pulse duration effects were studied using laser systems of different pulse durations (ns and fs) at 248 nm. Prior to tests on real fragments from the Monumental Cemetery in Pisa (Italy) which were coated with different polymers, attention was focused on the study of model samples consisting of analogous polymer films cast on quartz disks. Ultraviolet irradiation is strongly absorbed by the studied materials both in ns and fs irradiation regimes. However, it is demonstrated that ultrashort laser pulses result in reduced morphological alterations in comparison to ns irradiation. In addition, the dependence of the observed alterations on the chemical composition of the consolidation materials in both regimes was examined. Most importantly, it was shown that in this specific conservation problem, an optimum cleaning process may rely not only on the minimization of laser-induced morphological changes but also on the exploitation of the conditions that favour the disruption of the adhesion between the synthetic material and the painting.     

The inductive dimension of a space by its normal base

Properties of the large inductive dimension of a space by its normal base introduced by S. Iliadis are studied. The proposed dimension-like functions generalize both the classic dimensions Ind, Ind₀ and the relative inductive dimensions I. Properties of the normal base characterizing the fulfillment of basic classic theorems of the dimension theory (sum, subset and product theorems) are found.     

Invariant Manifolds,Nonclassical Normal Modes,and Proper Orthogonal Modes in the Dynamics of the Flexible Spherical Pendulum

It is shown that the flexible spherical pendulum undergoes purely slow motions with master and slaved components. The family of slow motions is realized as a three-dimensional invariant manifold in phase space. This manifold is computed analytically by applying the method of geometric singular perturbations. This manifold is nonlinear and for all energy and angular momentum levels is characterized precisely by three PO (proper orthogonal) modes. Its submanifold of zero angular momentum is a two-dimensional invariant manifold; it is the geometric realization of a nonclassical nonlinear normal mode. This normal mode is characterized precisely by two PO modes. The slaved slow dynamics are characterized precisely by a single PO mode. The stability of the slow invariant manifold as well as interactions between fast and slow dynamics are considered.     

A singular function boundary integral method for elliptic problems with singularities

In this work we present a singular function boundary integral method for elliptic problems with boundary singularities. In this method, the approximation is constructed from the truncated asymptotic expansion for the solution near the singular point and the Dirichlet boundary conditions are weakly enforced by means of Lagrange multiplier functions. The resulting discrete problem is posed and solved on the boundary of the domain, away from the point of singularity. We are able to show that the method approximates the generalized stress intensity factors, i.e. the coe cients in the asymptotic expansion, at an exponential rate. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Switchable photocatalysis for the chemodivergent benzylation of 4-cyanopyridines

We report a photocatalytic strategy for the chemodivergent radical benzylation of 4-cyanopyridines. The chemistry uses a single photoredox catalyst to generate benzyl radicals upon N–F bond activation of 2-alkyl N-fluorobenzamides. The judicious choice of different photocatalyst quenchers allowed us to select at will between mechanistically divergent processes. The two reaction manifolds, an ipso-substitution path proceeding via radical coupling and a Minisci-type addition, enabled selective access to regioisomeric C4 or C2 benzylated pyridines, respectively. Mechanistic investigations shed light on the origin of the chemoselectivity switch.

We report a photocatalytic strategy for the chemodivergent radical benzylation of 4-cyanopyridines. The chemistry uses a single photoredox catalyst to generate benzyl radicals upon N–F bond activation of 2-alkyl N-fluorobenzamides.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of the Novel Growth Inhibitor Streptol Glucoside,Isolated from an Obligate Plant Symbiont

The plant Psychotria kirkii hosts an obligatory bacterial symbiont, Candidatus Burkholderia kirkii, in nodules on their leaves. Recently, a glucosylated derivative of (+)-streptol, (+)-streptol glucoside, was isolated from the nodulated leaves and was found to possess a plant growth inhibitory activity. To establish a structure–activity relationship study, a convergent strategy was developed to obtain several pseudosugars from a single synthetic precursor. Furthermore, the glucosylation of streptol was investigated in detail and conditions affording specifically the α or β glucosidic anomer were identified. Although (+)-streptol was the most active compound, its concentration in P. kirkii plant leaves extract was approximately ten-fold lower than that of (+)-streptol glucoside. These results provide compelling evidence that the glucosylation of (+)-streptol protects the plant host against the growth inhibitory effect of the compound, which might constitute a molecular cornerstone for this successful plant-bacteria symbiosis.