Ordered semigroups of size at most 7 and linearly ordered semigroups of size at most 10

We construct, classify and enumerate all non-isomorphic ordered semigroups of size at most 7. In the special case of linearly ordered semigroups we achieve size 10.     

Spinning magnetic trap for automated microfluidic assay systems

While sophisticated analyses have been performed using lab-on-chip devices, in most cases the sample preparation is still performed off chip. The global need for easy-to-use, disposable testing devices necessitates that sample processing is automated and that transport complexity between the processing and analytical components is minimal. We describe a complete sample manipulation unit for performing automated target capture, efficient mixing with reagents, and controlled target release in a microfluidic channel, using an array of spinning magnets. The "MagTrap" device consists of 6 pairs of magnets in a rotating wheel, situated immediately beneath the microchannel. Rotation of the wheel in the direction opposite to the continuous flow entraps and concentrates the bead-target complexes and separates them from the original sample matrix. As the wheel rotates and the active pair of magnets moves away from the microchannel, the beads are released and briefly flow downstream before being trapped and pulled upstream by the next pair of magnets. This dynamic and continuous movement of the beads ensures that the full surface area of each bead is exposed to reagents and prevents aggregation. The release of the target-bead complexes for further analysis is facilitated by reversing the rotational direction of the wheel to sweep the beads downstream. Sample processing with the MagTrap was demonstrated for the detection of E. coli in a range of concentrations (1 × 10(3), 1 × 10(4) and 1 × 10(6) cells ml(-1)). Results show that sample processing with the MagTrap outperformed the standard manual protocols, improving the detection capability while simultaneously reducing the processing time.     

Electrochemical methods for quantification and characterization of metallothioneins induced in Mytilus galloprovincialis

The quantification of the purified metallothionein (MT) component, isolated from the digestive gland of cadmium-exposed Mytilus galloprovincialis, is described based on the analysis of Cd(II) and SH-groups content, applying electrochemical methods. Advantages and disadvantages of the Brdika procedure for the determination of the MT content is discussed. The saturation of binding positions of purified MT with Cd²⁺ ions can be directly followed voltammetrically. Irrespective of the MT concentration, the saturation with Cd²⁺ of in vivo induced mussel MT is achieved at a molar ratio of 5. Cd²⁺ ions are rapidly displaced from the Cd-Th complex after the addition of Pb²⁺ ions, which indicates the kinetically labile type of the complex.     

Changes in the proteome of extracellular vesicles shed by rat liver after subtoxic exposure to acetaminophen

To identify changes in extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by the liver following drug-induced liver injury (DILI), rats were treated with a subtoxic dose (500 mg/kg) of the analgesic drug, acetaminophen (APAP). EVs were collected by liver perfusion of sham and APAP-treated rats. Changes in EVs morphology were examined by transmission electron microscopic analysis of negatively stained vesicles. Results from morphometric analysis of EVs revealed striking differences in their size and distribution. Proteome composition of EVs collected by liver perfusion was determined by mass spectrometry using methods of sample preparation that enabled better detection of both highly hydrophobic proteins and proteins with complex post-translational modifications. The collection of EVs after liver perfusion is an approach that enables the isolation of EVs shed not only by isolated hepatocytes, but also by the entire complement of hepatic cells. EVs derived after DILI had a lower content of alpha-1-macroglobulin, ferritin, and members of cytochrome 450 family. Fibronectin, aminopeptidase N, metalloreductase STEAP4, integrin beta, and members of the annexin family were detected only in APAP-treated samples of EVs. These results show that the present approach can provide valuable insights into the response of the liver following drug-induced liver injury.     

Chiral Alcohols from Alkenes and Water: Directed Evolution of a Styrene Hydratase

Enantioselective synthesis of chiral alcohols through asymmetric addition of water across an unactivated alkene is a highly sought-after transformation and a big challenge in catalysis. Herein we report the identification and directed evolution of a fatty acid hydratase from Marinitoga hydrogenitolerans for the highly enantioselective hydration of styrenes to yield chiral 1-arylethanols. While directed evolution for styrene hydration was performed in the presence of heptanoic acid to mimic fatty acid binding, the engineered enzyme displayed remarkable asymmetric styrene hydration activity in the absence of the small molecule activator. The evolved styrene hydratase provided access to chiral alcohols from simple alkenes and water with high enantioselectivity (>99 : 1 e.r.) and could be applied on a preparative scale.     

Chemical Characteristics of Croatian Traditional Istarski pršut (PDO) Produced from Two Different Pig Genotypes

Chemical characteristics of raw and processed Istarski pršut (PDO) produced from two different pig genotypes were studied with special emphasis on amino and fatty acid composition and factors of lipid stability. Raw hams of Large White (LW)xLandrace (L), and (LWxL)xDuroc (D) pig genotypes were used in the study (20 hams of each genotype). All left raw hams from each carcass were processed in accordance with the PDO specification of Istarski pršut, and other half (the right ones) of LWxL)xD genotype were used for analyses of raw hams (fresh muscles). Istarski pršut was evaluated on the basis of the chemical parameters of the raw and matured lean ham. The process of dry curing significantly influenced the chemical properties of Istarski pršut. Despite the higher content of intramuscular fat and polyunsaturated fatty acids, the fat of (LWxL)xD ham was much more resistant to hydrolysis and oxidation, suggesting that fatty acid profile and other factors, also play a significant role. Significant differences between pig genotypes in the amino acid and fatty acid profiles were found. The analyzed Istarski pršut may be distinguished by prints of multivariate chemometric statistical analysis, based on their amino acid and fatty acid compositions.     

Anodic Sampling of Titanium by Thin-Layer Chromatography

JPC – Journal of Planar Chromatography – Modern TLC - Titanium as the pure metal or as commercial titanium alloys has been widely used in dentistry. To determine the composition of...     

Change of the molecular surface and volume during internal rotation and its effect on conformational equilibrium in solution

Conformational dependence of the molecular surface S and molecular volume V for hexane and 1,1,2-trichloroethane during rotation around a central bond in the molecules have been calculated. A model of overlapping spheres is used, the size of the spheres being determined by Van der Waals radii of individual atoms. Plots of S and V against torsional angle φ are compared with the potential of internal rotation of both molecules E(φ). The calculated molecular surfaces and volumes of the two molecules for the most stable conformers mutually differ by several percent as experimental results also indicate. We also show that the differences in S and V between individual conformers always affect conformational equilibrium in solution even if solvent-solute interaction energies are not explicitly considered. As a consequence of the mentioned volume changes during internal rotation in a molecule, the conformational energies for hydrocarbons in the condensed and gaseous phases can differ by as much as several kJ mol^?1.     

Synthesis of (5R)- and (5S)-5-Methyl-5, 6-dihydrouridine Derivatives

The hydrogenation of 2′, 3′-O-isopropylidene-5-methyluridine (1) in water over 5% Rh/Al₂O₃ gave (5 R)- and (5 S)-5-methyl-5, 6-dihydrouridine (2) , separated as 5′-O-(p-tolylsulfonyl)- (3) and 5′-O-benzoyl- (5) derivatives by preparative TLC. on silica gel and ether/hexane developments. The diastereoisomeric differentiation at the C(5) chiral centre depends upon the reaction media and the nature of the protecting group attached to the ribosyl moiety. The synthesis of iodo derivatives (5 R)- and (5 S)- 4 is also described. The diastereoisomers 4 were converted into (5 R)- and (5 S)-2′, 3′,-O-isopropylidene-5-methyl-2, 5′-anhydro-5, 6-dihydrouridine (7) .