New synthetic methods of π-conjugated inclusion complexes with high conductivity

A new method for the synthesis of an insulated π-conjugated molecule was developed via the sequential self-inclusion of π-conjugated guest branched permethylated α-cyclodextrin followed by the elongation of the π-conjugated unit. Covering a single π-conjugated wire by an α-cyclodextrin derivatives can suppress conductance fluctuation. The insulated π-conjugated molecules were utilized in the synthesis of highly conductive zigzag- and functionalized-insulated molecular wires.     

Molecular Insights into the Antistress Potentials of Brazilian Green Propolis Extract and Its Constituent Artepillin C

Propolis, also known as bee-glue, is a resinous substance produced by honeybees from materials collected from plants they visit. It contains mixtures of wax and bee enzymes and is used by bees as a building material in their hives and by humans for different purposes in traditional healthcare practices. Although the composition of propolis has been shown to depend on its geographic location, climatic zone, and local flora; two largely studied types of propolis: (i) New Zealand and (ii) Brazilian green propolis have been shown to possess Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) and Artepillin C (ARC) as the main bioactive constituents, respectively. We have earlier reported that CAPE and ARC possess anticancer activities, mediated by abrogation of mortalin-p53 complex and reactivation of p53 tumor suppressor function. Like CAPE, Artepillin C (ARC) and the supercritical extract of green propolis (GPSE) showed potent anticancer activity. In this study, we recruited low doses of GPSE and ARC (that did not affect either cancer cell proliferation or migration) to investigate their antistress potential using in vitro cell based assays. We report that both GPSE and ARC have the capability to disaggregate metal- and heat-induced aggregated proteins. Metal-induced aggregation of GFP was reduced by fourfold in GPSE- as well as ARC-treated cells. Similarly, whereas heat-induced misfolding of luciferase protein showed 80% loss of activity, the cells treated with either GPSE or ARC showed 60–80% recovery. Furthermore, we demonstrate their pro-hypoxia (marked by the upregulation of HIF-1α) and neuro-differentiation (marked by differentiation morphology and upregulation of expression of GFAP, β-tubulin III, and MAP2). Both GPSE and ARC also offered significant protection against oxidative stress and, hence, may be useful in the treatment of old age-related brain pathologies.     

Algebras Generated by Reciprocals of Linear Forms

Let Δ be a finite set of nonzero linear forms in several variables with coefficients in a field K of characteristic zero. Consider the K-algebra C(Δ) of rational functions generated by {1/α  α  Δ}. Then the ring ∂(V) of differential operators with constant coefficients naturally acts on C(Δ). We study the graded ∂(V)-module structure of C(Δ). We especially find standard systems of minimal generators and a combinatorial formula for the Poincaré series of C(Δ). Our proofs are based on a theorem by Brion–Vergne [4] and results by Orlik–Terao [9].     

Non-polarized memory effect in amorphous point-contact diodes driven by currents smaller than 0.5 mA

A reliable memory effect in point-contact diodes, which is independent of the polarity of driving voltage and strongly dependent on the material of the electrodes, has been observed. Antimony and As₂S₃ were the most appropriate for the point-contact electrode and the amorphous thin film respectively. The diodes could be driven by current smaller than 0.5 mA.     

Single-particle light scattering study of polyethyleneglycol-grafted poly(ureaurethane) microcapsule in ethanol

Microcapsules having polyethyleneglycol-grafted poly(ureaurethane) (PUU) membrane and di-2ethylhexyl phthalate core have been prepared, and the structure when they were suspended in dispersing ethanol have been studied by means of single-particle light scattering method. The PUU membrane was synthesized from monomers with aromatic functional groups (microcapsule MC110) and hexamethylene functional groups (microcapsule MC160). Because the outer and inner solvent passed through the membrane easily, the outside and inside of the membrane were the same at the equilibrium state. The thickness of the wall membrane was significantly smaller than that calculated from the overall weight ratio of the wall-forming material and the core solvents. It was attributed to low affinity of PUU membranes and ethanol.     

The Euler multiplicity and addition-deletion theorems for multiarrangements

The addition–deletion theorems for hyperplane arrangements,which were originally shown by Terao [J. Fac. Sci. Univ. TokyoSect. IA Math. 27 (1980) 293–320.], provide useful waysto construct examples of free arrangements. In this article,we prove addition–deletion theorems for multiarrangements.A key to the generalization is the definition of a new multiplicity,called the Euler multiplicity, of a restricted multiarrangement.We compute the Euler multiplicities in many cases. Then we applythe addition–deletion theorems to various arrangements,including supersolvable arrangements and the Coxeter arrangementof type A₃, to construct free and non-free multiarrangements.