On the field method in non-holonomic mechanics

This paper deals with the generalization of the field method to non-holonomic systems whose motion is subject to either non-linear constraints or those of a higher order, while their motion is modeled by the generalized Lagrange equations of the second kind. Two examples are given to illustrate the theory.The project supported by the Ministry of Science, Technologies and Development, Republic of Serbia (1874)     

Antimicrobial and Anticancer Application of Silver(I) Dipeptide Complexes

Three silver(I) dipeptide complexes [Ag(GlyGly)]_n(NO₃)_n (AgGlyGly), [Ag₂(GlyAla)(NO₃)₂]_n (AgGlyAla) and [Ag₂(HGlyAsp)(NO₃)]_n (AgGlyAsp) were prepared, investigated and characterized by vibrational spectroscopy (mid-IR), elemental and thermogravimetric analysis and mass spectrometry. For AgGlyGly, X-ray crystallography was also performed. Their stability in biological testing media was verified by time-dependent NMR measurements. Their in vitro antimicrobial activity was evaluated against selected pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, the influence of silver(I) dipeptide complexes on microbial film formation was described. Further, the cytotoxicity of the complexes against selected cancer cells (BLM, MDA-MB-231, HeLa, HCT116, MCF-7 and Jurkat) and fibroblasts (BJ-5ta) using a colorimetric MTS assay was tested, and the selectivity index (SI) was identified. The mechanism of action of Ag(I) dipeptide complexes was elucidated and discussed by the study in terms of their binding affinity toward the CT DNA, the ability to cleave the DNA and the ability to influence numbers of cells within each cell cycle phase. The new silver(I) dipeptide complexes are able to bind into DNA by noncovalent interaction, and the topoisomerase I inhibition study showed that the studied complexes inhibit its activity at a concentration of 15 μM.     

Two modifications of a KH2PO4·HF adduct

The structures of two modifications, (I) and (II), of potassium di­hydrogenphosphate–hydro­fluoric acid (1/1), KH₂PO₄·HF, were determined at 250 and 150 K, and at 292 and 150 K, respectively. Modifications (I) and (II) crystallize from stoichiometric aqueous solutions at 295 (1) and 308 (3) K, respectively. The H atoms were located clearly from the difference Fourier maps in each modification. The two modifications differ mainly in the arrangement of the di­hydrogen­phosphate anions, i.e. (I) contains looped dimeric and tetrameric units of the di­hydrogen­phosphate ions, whereas (II) contains two types of looped tetrameric unit. In addition, both structures contain a very short F—H⃛O hydrogen bond (2.38–2.40 Å). The K⁺ ions are coordinated by O and F atoms, with similar K⃛O and K⃛F distances in both modifications.     

Self‐Assembly of 1,1′‐Biphenyl‐2,2′,6,6′‐tetracarboxylic Acid: Formation of an Achiral Grid with Chiral Compartments

D ₄ ‐symmetric chiral hydrogen‐bonded cyclotetramers (see the structure in the picture) are present in the self‐assembled achiral title compound in the solid state. The unilayered network set up from the chiral “square” blocks is achiral as a consequence of the crystal symmetry.     

Optimization of SPME-Arrow-GC/MS Method for Determination of Free and Bound Volatile Organic Compounds from Grape Skins

(1) Background: Solid phase microextraction (SPME)-Arrow is a new extraction technology recently employed in the analysis of volatiles in food materials. Grape volatile organic compounds (VOC) have a crucial role in the winemaking industry due to their sensory characteristics of wine.; (2) Methods: Box–Behnken experimental design and response surface methodology were used to optimise SPME-Arrow conditions (extraction temperature, incubation time, exposure time, desorption time). Analyzed VOCs were free VOCs directly from grape skins and bound VOCs released from grape skins by acid hydrolysis.; (3) Results: The most significant factors were extraction temperature and exposure time for both free and bound VOCs. For both factors, an increase in their values positively affected the extraction efficiency for almost all classes of VOCs. For free VOCs, the optimum extraction conditions are: extraction temperature 60 °C, incubation time 20 min, exposure time 49 min, and desorption time 7 min, while for the bound VOCs are: extraction temperature 60 °C, incubation time 20 min, exposure time 60 min, desorption time 7 min.; (4) Conclusions: Application of the optimized method provides a powerful tool in the analysis of major classes of volatile organic compounds from grape skins, which can be applied to a large number of samples.     

Second generation of primaquine ureas and bis-ureas as potential antimycobacterial agents

Molecular Diversity - Here, we describe design and synthesis of twelve novel compounds bearing primaquine motif and hydroxy- or halogenamine linked by an urea or bis-urea spacer. Preparation of...     

Evolution of dust shells in Tolman–Bondi space–time according to the Weierstrass approach

The Einstein evolution of a dust shell universe with spatial spherical symmetry is analyzed. The implicit and parametric solutions of Tolman–Bondi equations are proposed in order to show its agreement with the rectilinear solutions of Kepler’s problem. Finally, a complete systematization of Tolman–Bondi models is obtained through the classical Weierstrass approach.     

Methyl 4-toluenesulfonyloxymethylphosphonate, a new and versatile reagent for the convenient synthesis of phosphonate-containing compounds

A straightforward procedure leading to the new phosphonylating reagent, methyl 4-toluenesulfonyloxymethylphosphonate, requiring no chromatographic purification is described. This stable reagent works with the same efficiency as dimethyl and other dialkyl esters for the introduction of an O-phosphonomethyl moiety while, in contrast to dimethyl ester, it does not cause any unwanted methylation of sensitive functionalities. Its utility for the alkylation of protected nucleosides in high yield is exemplified.     

Two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis for comparison of affinity and non-affinity based downstream processing of recombinant monoclonal antibody

Although Staphylococcus Protein A (SpA) affinity chromatography is the state of the art capture step for antibody purification, non-affinity methods are more economical. We used two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) to evaluate the purification of a recombinant IgG₁ antibody from cultured cells, with two different processes: (1) SpA capture followed by cation-exchange chromatography (CEX); and (2) CEX capture, followed by anion exchanger, then hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Efficiencies were similar in sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and size-exclusion chromatography; however, 2-D DIGE revealed higher efficiency with SpA than with CEX capture. Thus, 2-D DIGE is a valuable tool for downstream process development.