On the existence of bound states of N-particle systems in one and two dimensions

We give sufficient conditions for the existence, in one and two dimensions, of bound states of a system of N-particles interacting via two-body potentials.     

Local error estimates in quadrature

A theoretical error estimate for quadrature formulas, which depends on four approximations of the integral, is derived. We obtain a bound, often sharper than the trivial one, which requires milder conditions to be satisfied than a similar result previously presented by Laurie. A selection of numerical tests with one-dimensional integrals is reported, to show how the error estimate works in practice.     

Crystal structure of poly(ω‐pentadecalactone)

The crystal structure of poly(ω‐pentadecalactone) (PPDL) synthesized by enzyme‐catalyzed polymerization was determined by full‐profile refinement. A pseudo‐orthorombic monoclinic unit cell with dimensions a = 7.49(1), b = 5.034(9), and c = 20.00(4)Å (fiber axis), and α = 90.06(4)° hosts two monomeric units belonging to polymer chains with opposite orientation, according to the P2₁ space‐group symmetry. A close similarity to the crystal structure of poly(?‐caprolactone) was evident. However, the even number of backbone atoms in the monomer unit of PPDL leads to a lower crystal symmetry. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1009–1013, 2003     

On a class of designs obtained by composition of ovaloids

Recently Tallini introduced the definition ofcomposition of two designs with suitable parameters. In this paper we study the Steiner systems obtained by composition of two given ovaloids, investigating the existence of possible Steiner subsystems of them. Furthermore we give an evaluation of the number of these Steiner systems, which are not isomorphic.In memoriam Giuseppe TalliniResearch partially supported by G.N.S.A.G.A. (C.N.R.)     

Synthetic approach to the AB ring system of ouabain

Several novel hydroxylated cis-decalin derivatives, potential intermediates for the synthesis of the AB ring system of the important cardiotonic steroid ouabain, have been synthesized from commercially available starting materials. The first step in the preparation of these highly functionalized intermediates is a Robinson annulation of the beta-keto ester 6 and the 4-silyl-3-buten-2-one 5 to furnish the octalone 4 with good diastereoselectivity in fair yield (due to competition with a novel silicon-to-carbon phenyl migration). Reduction of the epoxy alcohol 3 (derived from 4 in two high-yielding steps) with LiAlH(4) gave a mixture of the desired triol 11 along with the product of an unusual reductive opening at the tertiary carbon, namely the triol 12. A plausible mechanism for this unusual reduction is presented as are possible methods for avoiding it. In particular, reduction of the corrresponding epoxy ketone 15 with aluminum amalgam proceeded in good yield to give the hydroxy ketone 16. Also reduction of the epoxide ester having the inverted stereochemistry at C3 afforded the desired tertiary alcohol 33 in good yield. Another approach using the beta,gamma-unsaturated ketal 38 permitted the formation of the tertiary alcohol 40. Fleming oxidation of the related, very functionalized silane 39 afforded the desired 1beta-alcohol 41 in fair yield. Finally a novel rearrangement was observed when the epoxy alcohol 24 was treated with DIBAL to effect loss of the angular hydroxymethyl group to produce the tetrasubstitued alkene 29 in high yield.     

Role of the spacer of cationic gemini amphiphiles in the condensation of DNA

The condensation of calf thymus DNA into the cholesteric-like psi-phase was observed by circular dichroism in liposome suspensions formulated with specific cationic gemini surfactants. The stereochemistry of the gemini spacer, the presence of specific functional groups, and the covalent link between the headgroups are fundamental issues in the condensation of DNA. Transmission electron microscopy images showed a multilamellar morphology, which corresponds with condensation.     

Effect of storage on quality parameters and phenolic content of Italian extra-virgin olive oils

Abstract

The quality of extra virgin olive oils is affected mainly by hydrolytic and oxidative reactions. The present paper investigated the changes of major and minor components and oxidation indices of three monovarietal extra virgin olive oils after 18?months of storage at room temperature and in dark glass bottles conditions. After storage, the basic quality parameters such as free acidity, peroxide values, extinction coefficients, fatty acids composition, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, did not exceed the upper limits set by European Community Regulations for extra-virgin olive oils. Given the importance of the phenolic fraction, UHPLC-HESI-MS metodology was used. A decrease in 3,4-DHPEA-EDA (oleacin) and p-HPEA-EDA (oleochantal) was detected whereas, an increase of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol was measured as a consequence of degradation of ligstroside and oleuropein derivatives. Based on the results it is possible to observe the high nutritional value of the studied oils even after 18?months of conservation.     

Through versus cross electron delocalization in polytriacetylene oligomers: a computational analysis.

Herein, we report a systematic theoretical investigation of the molecular and electronic properties of unsubstituted polytriacetylene (PTA) and iso-polytriacetylene (iso-PTA) oligomers, which are characterized by through and cross pi-conjugation pathways, respectively. The goal of the study is to compare through versus cross conjugation on the basis of the computed molecular geometries of the neutral, anionic, and cationic species, the electron affinities, ionization potentials, excitation energies, and nonlinear optical properties for oligomers up to the nonamer. Differences in the effective conjugation length are directly related to electron delocalization in cross- and through-conjugated pathways. As in the through-conjugated oligomers, that is, the PTAs, the frontier orbitals of the iso-PTA oligomers are delocalized along the entire carbon backbone, suggesting that pi-delocalization can extend through cross-linked carbon atoms. However, in contrast to the PTA oligomers, the bond lengths remain strictly constant and the reduction of the energy gap beyond the trimer is completely due to the correlation contribution. On the other hand, in the anions and cations, the bond lengths do change significantly with increasing chain length. Therefore, oxidation or reduction of the iso-PTA oligomer appears to switch on delocalization through cross-linked carbon atoms. Obviously, the effective conjugation length is specific and depends on the observable considered.     

Antioxidant and Antiradical Activity of Hydroxy‐Substituted 4‐Thiaflavanes

The antioxidant activities of several hydroxy‐substituted 4‐thiaflavanes, compounds 1 – 3 , were determined by measuring their ability of inhibiting the autoxidation of styrene or cumene. On this basis, the role played by the number and position of OH groups and by the oxidation state of the S‐atom was quantified and rationalized. With these data, it should be possible to optimize the structural features of these ‘double‐faced’ antioxidants for structure? activity‐relationship studies. A comparison between the kinetic data (k_inh) reported in this paper and the previously reported values of the antiradical activities (SC₅₀), measured by the DPPH^. bleaching method, for 1 – 3 is made (Table).