Bivariate hypergeometric D-modules

We undertake the study of bivariate Horn systems for generic parameters. We prove that these hypergeometric systems are holonomic, and we provide an explicit formula for their holonomic rank as well as bases of their spaces of complex holomorphic solutions. We also obtain analogous results for the generalized hypergeometric systems arising from lattices of any rank.     

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of DNA

We report a method for obtaining highly reproducible surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of single and double-stranded thiolated DNA oligomers. Following a protocol that relaxes the DNA into an extended conformation, SERS spectra of DNA oligonucleotides are found to be extremely similar, strongly dominated by the Stokes modes of adenine. A spectral correlation function analysis useful for assessing reproducibility and for quantifying the highly complex changes corresponding to modifications in molecular conformation of the adsorbate molecules is introduced. This approach is used to monitor the interaction of DNA with cisplatin, a chemotherapy agent in widespread use.     

Spectroscopic investigations and crystal structure from synchrotron powder data of the inclusion complex of beta-cyclodextrin with atenolol

Inclusion complexes of atenolol with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) in aqueous solution have been investigated with (1)H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The stoichiometry of this inclusion complex was established to be equimolar (1:1) and its stability constant was determined by UV-vis spectroscopy. The crystal structure of the beta-CD-atenolol (1:1) inclusion compound has been solved from synchrotron powder diffraction data using direct-space search techniques. The crystal structure model and (1)H NMR data are in good agreement and, with support of Hyperchem MM+ molecular dynamics results, suggest which protons are likely to be involved in the inclusion process that leads to the supramolecular architecture of this guest-host complex.     

Assessment of hand-held Raman instrumentation for in situ screening for potentially counterfeit artesunate antimalarial tablets by FT-Raman spectroscopy and direct ionization mass spectrometry

Pharmaceutical counterfeiting has become a significant public health problem worldwide and new, rapid, user-friendly, reliable and inexpensive methods for drug quality screening are needed. This work illustrates the chemical characterization of genuine and fake artesunate antimalarial tablets by portable Raman spectroscopy and validation by FT-Raman spectroscopy and ambient mass spectrometry. The applicability of a compact and robust portable Raman spectrometer (TruScan™) for the in situ chemical identification of counterfeit tablets is reported.     

Comparison of two methods for 14C analysis from essential oils using LSC

Natural essential oil sample obtained from basil (Ocinum basilicum), and ethanol sample obtained from wine were measured to determine ¹⁴C specific activity, using two different sample preparation methods, and liquid scintillation counting method. The paper describes the use of two preparation methods, direct measurement method and CO₂ absorption method, and the results obtained for this comparative study. Depending on carbon content of the sample and bubbling time, different correction factors of carbon mass trapped in liquid scintillation cocktail were established for CO₂ absorption method.

     

Arbitrary rank jumps for A-hypergeometric systems through Laurent polynomials

We investigate the solution space of hypergeometric systemsof differential equations in the sense of Gel’fand, Graev,Kapranov and Zelevinski. For any integer d 2, we constructa matrix A_(d) ^{d x 2d} and a parameter vector ß_(d)such that the holonomic rank of the A-hypergeometric systemH_A(d)(ß_(d)) exceeds the simplicial volume vol(A_(d))by at least d – 1. The largest previously known gap betweenrank and volume was 2. Our construction gives evidence to the general observation thatrank jumps seem to go hand in hand with the existence of multipleLaurent (or Puiseux) polynomial solutions.     

Identification and synthesis of novel biomaterials based on spider structural silk fibers

The diversity in function and mechanical behavior of spider silks, and the ability to produce these silks recombinantly, have tremendous potential in creating a new class of biomimetic materials. Here we investigate the structural and mechanical properties of pyriform silks from the golden orb-weaver, Nephila clavipes. Nanoscale indentation measurements using atomic force microscopy on natural pyriform silk suggests that this biomaterial has high toughness that may be suitable for dissipating high amounts of mechanical energy. We also observed the occurrence of highly organized nanocrystals within the pyriform silk fibers that may contribute to the remarkable energy dissipation capability of these silks. It has been demonstrated that poly-(Gly–Ala) and poly-Ala stretches within the internal block repeat modules of dragline silk fibroins form nanocrystals, and these nanocrystalline structures may be responsible for the high extensibility of the dragline silks. In contrast, amino acid sequence analysis shows that PySp2 does not contain the same motifs. In the absence of poly-(Gly–Ala) and poly-Ala repeats, we hypothesized that PySp2 contains new protein motifs sufficient to polymerize into functional structures. To investigate the functional contributions of these novel motifs during pyriform fiber formation, we expressed different recombinant PySp2 fibroins with various segments spanning its block repeat units. We demonstrate that PySp2 recombinant proteins with the Pro-rich sub-block domain (PXP motifs, where X= sub-set of the amino acids A, L, or R) and/or the Ser + Gln + Ala-rich sub-block domain (QQSSVAQS motifs) are sufficient for artificial fiber formation. Moreover, we show that recombinant PySp2 proteins that contain a single block repeat unit can self-assemble into foam-like nanostructures. Collectively, our findings support the use of PySp2 recombinant proteins for a wide range of biomimetic materials with morphologies ranging from fibers to porous structures.     

A synthesis of new 7-amino-substituted 4-aminopyrazolo[1,5-a][1,3,5]triazines via a selective three-component triazine ring annulation

3-Amino-substituted 5-aminopyrazoles were found to be suitable substrates for the synthesis of new 4-aminopyrazolo[1,5-a][1,3,5]triazines (5-aza-9-deaza-adenines) when used in the one-pot, three-component reaction with cyanamide and triethyl orthoformate under microwave irradiation. The reaction proceeded selectively and its scope was demonstrated by the preparation of a library of 4-aminopyrazolo[1,5-a][1,3,5]triazines. Some structural aspects of the prepared compounds were investigated using dynamic NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The operational simplicity, short reaction time, and good reproducibility are attractive features of the developed robust and practical approach for the synthesis of 7-amino-substituted 4-aminopyrazolo[1,5-a][1,3,5]triazines.     

Shape memory and associated properties in Fe–Mn–Si-based ribbons produced by melt-spinning

Four Fe–Mn–Si alloys, Fe₆₂Mn₃₂Si₆, Fe₆₂Mn₂₀Si₅Cr₈Ni₅, Fe₆₂Mn₁₆Si₅Cr₁₂Ni₅ and Fe₆₅Mn₉Si₇Cr₁₀Ni₉, were obtained by the melt-spinning method. The samples were structurally, magnetic and shape memory effect (SME) investigated, both “as quenched” and thermally treated. The Mn-rich compositions show different phase, magnetic behavior and SME in comparison with Mn-poor compositions. The thermal treatments generate transformation between the two existing majority phases ( and γ), related magnetization and SME behavior. The features are derived from the corroboration of structural, magnetic interaction and magnitude of SME data.     

Inulin-containing biomass for ethanol production

The use of stalks instead of tubers as a source of carbohydrates for ethanol production has been investigated. The inulin present in the stalks of Jerusalem artichoke was extracted with water and the effect of solid-liquid ratio, temperature, and acid addition was studied and optimized in order to attain a high-fructose fermentable extract. The maximum extraction efficiency (corresponding to 35 g/L) of soluble sugars was obtained at 1/6 solidliquid ratio. Fermentations of hydrolyzed extracts by baker's yeast and direct fermentation by an inulinease activity yeast were also performed and the potential to use this feedstock for bioethanol production assessed. The results show that the carbohydrates derived from Jerusalem artichoke stalks can be converted efficiently to ethanol by acidic hydrolysis followed by fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae or by direct fermentation of inulin using Kluyveromyces marxianus strains. In this last case about 30 h to complete fermentation was required in comparison with 8–9 h obtained in experiments with S. cerevisiae growth on acid extracted juices.