Modeling of real 20-component protein chains: Determination of the electronic density of states of aperiodic seven-component polypeptide chains containing strongly different amino acid residues

To model a real 20-component protein chain, the results of the electronic density of states (DOS ) of seven-component periodic and aperiodic polypeptide chains calculated on the basis of ab initio matrix block negative factor counting method are presented. The seven amino acid residues taken into account are rather different: glycine, serine, cysteine, asparagine, histidine, aspartic acid, and tryptophane. In the case of aperiodic chains, the energy states are found to be distributed over a much wider range of energy than in the corresponding periodic chains. In the intrinsic state, both periodic and aperiodic polypeptide chains are predicted to be insulators. The effect of the block copolymerization on the DOS distribution and the band gap values of both periodic and aperiodic polypeptide chains has been also investigated. Finally, the methods to calculate from the DOS curves hopping conductivities and the possibilities to compare them with experiment are outlined.     

Über Anzahl und Verteilung der Scheitel ebener Bogen

Zusammenfassung Seit der Entdeckung des 4-Scheitel-Satzes durch S. Mukhopadhaya (1909) und A. Kneser (1912) hat sich eine umfangreiche Literatur über Scheitel- und verwandte Sätze entwickelt. Unter anderem wurden ebene Bogen auf Scheitel hin untersucht bzgl. Charakteristiken, welche von k 1 Parametern stetig abhängen. Wir legen für die wichtigsten Sätze aus diesem Teil der Theorie überarbeitete Definitionen und Beweise unter vereinfachten Voraussetzungen vor.

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Open quantum systems and Feynman integrals: Some problems

A few open problems of mathematical physics are presented. They concern open quantum systems and Feynman path integrals; some of them are technical, while others are of conceptual importance.Dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research.     

Time-resolved enzymatic determination of glucose using a fluorescent europium probe for hydrogen peroxide

An enzymatic assay for glucose based on the use of the fluorescent probe for hydrogen peroxide, europium(III) tetracycline (EuTc), is described. The weakly fluorescent EuTc and enzymatically generated H₂O₂ form a strongly fluorescent complex (EuTc–H₂O₂) whose fluorescence decay profile is significantly different. Since the decay time of EuTc–H₂O₂ is in the microseconds time domain, fluorescence can be detected in the time-resolved mode, thus enabling substantial reduction of background fluorescence. The scheme represents the first H₂O₂-based time-resolved fluorescence assay for glucose not requiring the presence of a peroxidase. The time-resolved assay (with a delay time of 60 s and using endpoint detection) enables glucose to be determined at levels as low as 2.2 mol L^–1, with a dynamic range of 2.2–100 mol L^–1. The method also was adapted to a kinetic assay in order to cover higher glucose levels (mmol L^–1 range). The latter was validated by analyzing spiked serum samples and gave a good linear relationship for glucose levels from 2.5 to 55.5 mmol L^–1. Noteworthy features of the assay include easy accessibility of the probe, large Stokes shift, a line-like fluorescence peaking at 616 nm, stability towards oxygen, a working pH of approximately 7, and its suitability for both kinetic and endpoint determination.     

Reactions of Cyanomethanesulfonamides with Aldehydes and Synthesis of 2-Benzyl-2,3-dihydrobenzopyrano[3,2-e] [1,2,4]thiadiazine 1,1-Dioxides

Summary.  Reactions of cyanomethanesulfonamides with aromatic aldehydes in the presence of AcOH and piperidine produced the addition products, the 1-cyano-2-arylethenesulfonamides, whereas reactions with benzonitrile yielded the 2-amino-1-cyano-2-phenylethenesulfonamides only when done in THF with BuLi. No addition products were isolated from the analogue reactions with 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (salicylaldehyde). Instead, we obtained 2-imino-2H-chromene-3-sulfonamides with good to excellent yields. These 2H-chromene derivatives allowed a number of transformations, from which the reactions with orthoformates opened an approach to the hitherto unknown benzopyrano[3,2-e] [1,2,4]thiadiazine ring system.     

Long-wavelength fluorescent indicators for the determination of oxygen partial pressures

A series of stable heterocyclic indicators with λ_ex = 469–566 nm and λ_em = 511–652 nm allows the fluorimetric determination of ca. 1–100% partial pressures of oxygen by quenching of fluorescnce, especially in toluene solution.     

Teaching the integrated and modern perspectives of analytical chemistry

The present situation of analytical chemistry teaching within a chemistry curriculum is exemplified by the reformed chemistry curriculum in Germany. This approach is contrasted with teaching analytical chemistry within a novel curriculum in natural sciences termed 'applied science'. The latter curriculum ensures a superior education in chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and information science, thus gaining an integrated perspective of analytical chemistry.     

Synthesis of acryloyl-type polymer fixing 5-fluorouracil residues through D-glucofuranoses and its antitumor activity

Acryloyl-type polymer fixing 1-β-carbonylethyl-5-fluorouracil residues through D -glucofuranoses via ester bonds was synthesized by means of polymerization of the corresponding monomer and polymer reaction. In order to provide the water-soluble objective polymer, the copolymerization of the acryloyl-type monomer with acrylamide was carried out. The extent of release of 5-FU residues from the copolymer was investigated in the enzyme or nonenzyme system in vitro. Furthermore, the antitumor activities of the water-insoluble homopolymer and water-soluble copolymer obtained were tested in vivo.     

Chemometric classification of gunshot residues based on energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis and inductively coupled plasma analysis with mass-spectrometric detection

A gunshot residue sample that was collected from an object or a suspected person is automatically searched for gunshot residue relevant particles. Particle data (such as size, morphology, position on the sample for manual relocation, etc.) as well as the corresponding X-ray spectra and images are stored. According to these data, particles are classified by the analysis-software into different groups: ‘gunshot residue characteristic’, ‘consistent with gunshot residue’ and environmental particles, respectively. Potential gunshot residue particles are manually checked and – if necessary – confirmed by the operating forensic scientist.