Hypergeometric Polynomials and Integer Programming

We examine connections between A-hypergeometric differential equations and the theory of integer programming. In the first part, we develop a hypergeometric sensitivity analysis for small variations of constraint constants with creation operators and b-functions. In the second part, we study the indicial polynomial (b-function) along the hyperplane xi=0 via a correspondence between the optimal value of an integer programming problem and the roots of the indicial polynomial. Gröbner bases are used to prove theorems and give counter examples.     

Néel temperature of quasi-low-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnets

The Néel temperature T(N) of quasi-one- and quasi-two-dimensional antiferromagnetic Heisenberg models on a cubic lattice is calculated by Monte Carlo simulations as a function of interchain (interlayer) to intrachain (intralayer) coupling J(')/J down to J(')/J approximately = 10(-3). We find that T(N) obeys a modified random-phase approximationlike relation for small J(')/J with an effective universal renormalized coordination number, independent of the size of the spin. Empirical formulas describing T(N) for a wide range of J(') and useful for the analysis of experimental measurements are presented.     

Instability of surfactant solution flow in a Taylor cell

The hydrodynamic instability of surfactant solutions between two coaxial cylinders was investigated by using a laser-induced-fluorescence flow visualization technique to clarify the effect of drag-reducing additives on vortex formation in Taylor-Couette flow. The test fluids were Ethoquad O/12 surfactant solutions, which have a gel-like structure called “shear-induced structurer” (SIS). Photographs of the formation of Görtler vortices were taken and compared with these of tap water. In the Taylor number range of 1.2×10⁵≤Ta≤7.1×10⁵, tap water and 10 ppm surfactant solution flows consisted of Taylor vortices and much smaller Görtler vortices at the rotating inner wall. However, for 50 and 100 ppm surfactant solutions, Taylor vortices were not apparent and Görtler vortices were collapsed. Measurements of the wavelength of Görtler vortices lead to the conclusion that surfactant solutions have a stabilizing effect on Görtler instabilities. This effect depends on surfactant concentration and becomes considerable with increasing acceleration of the inner cylinder.     

Chemistry and pharmacology of analgesic indole alkaloids from the rubiaceous plant, Mitragyna speciosa

The leaves of a tropical plant, Mitragyna speciosa KORTH (Rubiaceae), have been traditionally used as a substitute for opium. Phytochemical studies of the constituents of the plant growing in Thailand and Malaysia have led to the isolation of several 9-methoxy-Corynanthe-type monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, including new natural products. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and/or synthetic methods. The potent opioid agonistic activities of mitragynine, the major constituent of this plant, and its analogues were found in in vitro and in vivo experiments and the mechanisms underlying the analgesic activity were clarified. The essential structural features of mitragynines, which differ from those of morphine and are responsible for the analgesic activity, were elucidated by pharmacological evaluation of the natural and synthetic derivatives. Among the mitragynine derivatives, 7-hydroxymitragynine, a minor constituent of M. speciosa, was found to exhibit potent antinociceptive activity in mice.     

New sesquiterpenoids from the New Zealand liverwort Chiloscyphus subporosus

A new aromadendrane-type sesquiterpenoid, 4(15)-aromadendren-12,5alpha-olide and an aromadendrane-guaianolide dimer have been isolated from the New Zealand liverwort Chiloscyphus subporosus. Their structures were established by extensive NMR techniques and X-ray crystallographic analysis.     

New oleanan-type triterpene and cincholic acid glycosides from Peruvian "Uña de Gato" (Uncaria tomentosa)

A new oleanan-type triterpene and three new cincholic acid glycosides were isolated from Peruvian "Una de Gato" (Cat's claw, plant of origin: Uncaria tomentosa), a traditional herbal medicine in Peru. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis.     

A new 9-methoxyyohimbine-type indole alkaloid from Mitragyna africanus

A new yohimbine-type indole alkaloid (1). was isolated from the stem bark of Mitragyna africanus (WILLD.) collected in Nigeria, along with known seven Corynanthe-type oxindole alkaloids, two secoiridoids, three lignans, and a quinovic acid derivative. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses.     

Synthesis of conjugated oligomers having aromatic and enediyne units alternately in the backbone that show intense fluorescence emission

[structure: see text] Synthesis and fluorescence properties of pi-conjugated compounds having alternately an aromatic ring such as benzene, pyridine, and thiophene and an enediyne unit in the backbone are described.     

First results from KamLAND: evidence for reactor antineutrino disappearance

KamLAND has measured the flux of nu;(e)'s from distant nuclear reactors. We find fewer nu;(e) events than expected from standard assumptions about nu;(e) propagation at the 99.95% C.L. In a 162 ton.yr exposure the ratio of the observed inverse beta-decay events to the expected number without nu;(e) disappearance is 0.611+/-0.085(stat)+/-0.041(syst) for nu;(e) energies >3.4 MeV. In the context of two-flavor neutrino oscillations with CPT invariance, all solutions to the solar neutrino problem except for the "large mixing angle" region are excluded.     

Ten new Lycopodium alkaloids having the lycopodane skeleton isolated from Lycopodium serratum Thunb

Ten new alkaloids, lycoposerramines-F (1), -G (2), -H (3), -I (4), -J (5), -K (6), -L (7), -M (8), -N (9), and -O (10), having lycopodine-related structures, were isolated from the club moss Lycopodium serratum THUNB. and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and/or chemical transformation.