Computing the topological entropy of maps of the interval with three monotone pieces

An algorithm is presented for computing the topological entropy of a piecewise monotone map of the interval having three monotone pieces. The accuracy of the algorithm is discussed and some graphs of the topological entropy obtained using the algorithm are displayed. Some of the ideas behind the algorithm have application to piecewise monotone functions with more than three monotone pieces.     

Phase retrieval for high-numerical-aperture optical systems

We describe a phase retrieval approach for intensity point-spread functions of high-numerical-aperture optical systems such as light microscopes. The method calculates a generalized pupil function defined on a spherical shell, using measured images at several defocus levels. The resultant pupil functionsreproduce measured point-source images significantly better than does an ideal imaging model. Availability of pupil function information will facilitate new approaches to aberration correction in such systems.     

Homogeneous and supported catalysts based on bis(imino)pyridyl Iron(II) complexes for ethylene polymerization

Data on ethylene polymerization on homogeneous and supported catalysts based on 2,6-bis(imino)pyridyl Fe(II) complexes activated by trialkylaluminums are considered (activity, the molecular-weight characteristics of polymers, the number of active sites, and the propagation rate constants). Unlike homogeneous systems, the supported catalysts prepared with the use of various carriers (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and MgCl₂) exhibited high stability and activity at 70–80°C and produced high-molecular-weight polyethylene with a broad molecular-weight distribution (MWD). The molecular weights and MWDs of polymers and the propagation rate constant depended on the nature of the carrier only slightly. The reasons for an unusual effect of an increase in the activity of the supported catalysts in ethylene polymerization in the presence of hydrogen are discussed.     

An improved palladium(II)-catalyzed method for the synthesis of aryl ketones from aryl carboxylic acids and organonitriles

A palladium(II)-catalyzed decarboxylative protocol for the synthesis of aryl ketones has been developed. The addition of TFA was shown to improve the reaction yield and employing THF as solvent enabled the use of solid nitriles and in only a small excess. Using this method, five different benzoic acids reacted with a wide range of nitriles to produce 29 diverse (hetero)aryl ketone derivatives in up to 94% yield.     

Synthesis of Sucrose 4′-(L-Arabinose-2-YL Phosphate) (Agrocinopihe A) Using an Arabinose 2-H-Phosphonate Intermediate

Abstract

The first completed chemical synthesis of Agrocinopine A (5) is presented. The key step in the synthesis was the pivaloyl chloride promoted condensation of a blocked arabinose 2-H-phosphonate derivative 3 with a protected sucrose derivative 1 having a free hydroxyl at 4′-OH. The resulting H-phosphonic acid diester was oxidised in situ with iodine to produce the corresponding phosphodiester 4, which was subsequently deblocked to give Agrocinopine A.     

Removal of Water-Soluble Extractives Improves the Enzymatic Digestibility of Steam-Pretreated Softwood Barks

Softwood bark contains a large amounts of extractives—i.e., soluble lipophilic (such as resin acids) and hydrophilic components (phenolic compounds, stilbenes). The effects of the partial removal of water-soluble extractives before acid-catalyzed steam pretreatment on enzymatic digestibility were assessed for two softwood barks—Norway spruce and Scots pine. A simple hot water extraction step removed more than half of the water-soluble extractives from the barks, which improved the enzymatic digestibility of both steam-pretreated materials. This effect was more pronounced for the spruce than the pine bark, as evidenced by the 30 and 11% glucose yield improvement, respectively, in the enzymatic digestibility. Furthermore, analysis of the chemical composition showed that the acid-insoluble lignin content of the pretreated materials decreased when water-soluble extractives were removed prior to steam pretreatment. This can be explained by a decreased formation of water-insoluble “pseudo-lignin” from water-soluble bark phenolics during the acid-catalyzed pretreatment, which otherwise results in distorted lignin analysis and may also contribute to the impaired enzymatic digestibility of the barks. Thus, this study advocates the removal of extractives as the first step in the processing of bark or bark-rich materials in a sugar platform biorefinery.     

In situ Polymerization Technique for Obtaining Composite Materials Based on Polyethylene,Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes and Cobalt Nanoparticles

Specific features of formation of composite materials based on polyethylene, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and cobalt nanoparticles (MWCNT–PE and Co/MWCNT–PE) by in situ polymerization were revealed. The in situ polymerization technique is based on ethylene polymerization on a highly dispersed Ti-containing catalyst supported on the surface of MWCNT and Со/MWCNT. This method ensures uniform distribution of MWCNT and Co/MWCNT in the polyethylene matrix. The effect of MWCNT and Со/MWCNT on the final properties of the composite materials was determined. Introduction of MWCNT into the polyethylene matrix increases the specific electrical conductivity of the material. Such composite materials can be used for preparing concentrates with preset composition for the subsequent preparation of antistatic coatings. Introduction of the Со/MWCNT filler into the polyethylene matrix makes the material paramagnetic owing to Co nanoparticles and allows its use for preparing coatings that efficiently protect from electromagnetic radiation.