Interval method for bounding level sets: Revisited and tested with global optimization problems

An interval method for bounding level sets, modified to increase its efficiency and to get sharper bounding boxes, is presented. The new algorithm was tested with standard global optimization test problems. The test results show that, while the modified method gives a more valuable, guaranteed reliability result set, it is competitive with non-interval methods in terms of CPU time and number of function evaluations.This work was supported by Grant OTKA 1074/1987, and in part by DAAD Fellowship No. 314/108/004/8 during the author's stay at Düsseldorf University.     

Rapid Detection of AIB1 in Breast Cancer Cells Based on Aptamer-Functionalized Nanomotors

Herein, we report ultrasound-propelled graphene-oxide coated gold nanowire motors, functionalized with fluorescein-labeled DNA aptamers (FAM-AIB1-apt), for qualitative detection of overexpressed AIB1 oncoproteins in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The movement of nanomotors under the ultrasound field facilitated intracellular uptake and resulted in a faster aptamer binding with the target protein and thus faster fluorescence recovery. The propulsion behavior of the aptamer functionalized nanomotors greatly enhanced the fluorescence intensity compared to static conditions. The new aptamer@nanomotor-based strategy offers considerable potential for further development of sensing methodologies towards diagnosis of breast cancer.     

Effects of fluorescent light and vacuum packaging on the rate of decomposition of pigments in paprika (Capsicum annuum) powder determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

The effect of storage time, the presence of light and oxygen on the decomposition rate of carotenoid pigments in paprika (Capsicum annuum) powders was determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The similarities and dissimilarities of pigment composition of samples under various storage conditions was elucidated by principal component analysis (PCA) and stepwise regression analysis (SRA). Calculations proved that the overall decomposition rate of pigment sections equally depended on the storage time and on the presence of light and oxygen, the effect of storage time being the most decisive factor while the impact of oxygen was the lowest. The selectivity of decomposition also depended on the storage time and on the presence of oxygen the influence of storage time being the most important. RP-HPLC followed by PCA and SRA can be successfully used for the study of the impact of environmental conditions on the decomposition of carotenoid pigments of paprika powders.     

Axially symmetric static solutions of four-dimensional SU(N) σ-models by the inverse scattering method

A systematic framework is derived for constructing a superpotential in static, axially symmetric four-dimensional SU(N) principal σ-models by applying an inverse scattering method.     

Inclusion complexing by water-soluble β-cyclodextrin polymers

Cross-linked -cyclodextrin with a molecular weight of less than 10000 has good solubility in water, and it is a better inclusion complexing agent than the parent -cyclodextrin. By including lipophilic guest molecules into the apolar cyclodextrin cavity, their apparent lipophilicity is reduced because the outer surface of the molecular wrapping (the crosslinked -CD) is highly hydrophilic. The relative stability of the inclusion complexes can be rapidly determined by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography. The reversed-phase TLC behaviour of 25 triphenylmethane derivatives and analogues were studied in the presence of -cyclodextrin polymers containing neutral and carboxyl groups. Increasing the molecular weight results in an increased complex-forming capacity. The carboxyl group modifies the accessibility of the CD cavity which in turn results in increased or decreased complex stability, depending on the guest molecule. The presence of organic solvents diminishes the stability of the CD complexes.     

Synthesis, chiroptical properties, and solid-state structure determination of two new chiral dipyrrin difluoroboryl chelates

Two new types of optically active BODIPY fluorophores bearing chiral phenyl substituents either at the meso-position or at both external alpha-positions have been synthesized. Their chiroptical properties are strongly dependent both on the position of the chiral group and on the protonation of the chromophore. The solid-state structures of one of the difluoroboryl chelates bearing the chiral phenyl substituent at the meso-position (9a) as well as of the corresponding ligand (8a) and its perchlorate have been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. These are, to the best of our knowledge, the first crystal structures of a dipyrrin free base and of a dipyrrin salt which have been obtained by X-ray diffraction analysis. Hence, for the first time, the helical structure of a protonated dipyrrin chromophore has been proved experimentally.     

Glycoform Heterogeneity of Human Serum α1-Acid Glycoprotein Determined by CZE in Malignant Diseases

A novel capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed to investigate the glycoform heterogeneity of human serum α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). The simultaneous application of a dimethyl polysiloxane coated capillary and oligoamine additives, particularly spermidine resulted in a more detailed separation of AGP glycoforms than reported previously. The relative distribution of AGP glycoforms in CZE was determined by baseline integration of peak areas and verified by peak-fitting analysis. Providing high purity of AGP samples suitable for CZE a schedule of isolation and purification steps including sample preparation and an improved technique of ion exchange chromatography was applied. Based on data obtained by CZE and on the serum AGP levels measured the serum concentrations of AGP glycoforms were calculated in cancer patients with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ovary carcinoma and melanoma compared to healthy donors. Results presented here demonstrated a significant increase in the serum concentration of the more acidic AGP fractions also indicating the overproduction of these glycoforms in cancer. In conclusion, our observations may raise the clinical diagnostic relevance of changes in the molecular heterogeneity of AGP detected by CZE in the various forms of malignant diseases.