A method of examining a pair of interdependent integral equations : PMM vol. 37, n6, 1973, pp. 1078–1086

The paper deals with the method of inverting two singular integral equations of the first and second kind, respectively, possessing a definite structure. The equations as well as their solutions are obtained on the basis of analyzing a specific mixed problem of the potential theory for a quadrant.     

Enhancing Hoogsteen interactions: a pyrrole-containing purine nucleoside that competes with guanosine self-assembly

A pyrrole-appended purine nucleoside 1 is described that can form an "extended" three-point Hoogsteen-type interaction due to the stabilization of the donor-acceptor-acceptor (DAA) motif. Nucleoside 1 is shown to bind guanosine 10 (a classic ADD motif) to form ensemble I. This interaction competes effectively with guanosine self-assembly and, as such, is capable of disrupting guanosine quadruplex formation.     

Development of a novel microfluidic immunoassay for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection

The miniaturization of laboratory processes offers substantial advantages over traditional techniques in terms of cost, speed, and potential for multistage automation. To date, only a few studies have reported successful microfluidics-based immunoassays, most of which rely on fluorescence detection technologies. The goal of this study was to develop a poly(dimethylsiloxane) microfluidics-based immunoassay methodology and a versatile colorimetric quantification scheme for the detection of visual colour changes resulting from immune reactions in microchannels. The novel immunoassay technique was applied towards the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection using 20 human serum samples of known infection status, and results compared with conventional nitrocellulose membrane-based dot-ELISA. The microchannel immunoassay reliably detected H. pylori antigens in quantities on the order of 10 ng, which provides a sensitivity of detection comparable to conventional dot-blot assays. Sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 90%, positive predictive value 91%, and negative predictive value 100%, with an overall accuracy of 95%. The software developed generated results that were consistent with visual observations and by automatically taking into account background intensity changes, the software minimized subjectivity. Volumes of solutions used were 100-fold less compared with conventional immunoassays. Miniaturization of the ELISA using this technique provides a means for the accurate diagnosis of microbial infection while minimizing waste production.     

Kamlet–Taft Solvation Parameters of Solvate Ionic Liquids

The Kamlet–Taft solvent parameters of solvate ionic liquids (SILs) prepared from lithium salts with glyme and glycol ligands are determined. The dipolarity/polarisibilities (π*) are high, similar to those found in conventional ionic liquids. The H‐bond basicities (β) depend strongly on the anion. The H‐bond acidities (α) are high in both glyme and glycol SILs, indicating that the lithium is acting as a H‐bond donor site. “Poor” SILs have glyme‐rich and salt‐rich regions. In these liquids the π* and β values are almost identical to the parent glyme or glycol, and the α values are determined by the salt alone.     

Operations research in the public sector and nonprofit organizations

Public sector and nonprofit organizations (NPO) have been growing substantially in number and size since the turn of the millennium. In light of the ongoing economic crises these sectors are expected to grow even more with expanded demands for services, increased need for funds to meet the demands and need for their services, and increased pressure to use available funds efficiently and effectively. The purpose of operations research (OR) techniques is to improve organizations’ operations and achievements. We are pleased to include in this volume a group of high quality research papers, innovative case studies with OR applications to the public sector and NPO, all focusing on the objective of improving operations and achievements.     

Omitting types and AF algebras

We prove that the classes of UHF algebras and AF algebras, while not axiomatizable, can be characterized as those C*-algebras that omit certain types in the logic of metric structures.