Triesterase and Promiscuous Diesterase Activities of a Di‐CoII‐Containing Organophosphate Degrading Enzyme Reaction Mechanisms

The reaction mechanism for the hydrolysis of trimethyl phosphate and of the obtained phosphodiester by the di‐Co^II derivative of organophosphate degrading enzyme from Agrobacterium radiobacter P230(OpdA), have been investigated at density functional level of theory in the framework of the cluster model approach. Both mechanisms proceed by a multistep sequence and each catalytic cycle begins with the nucleophilic attack by a metal‐bound hydroxide on the phosphorus atom of the substrate, leading to the cleavage of the phosphate‐ester bond. Four exchange‐correlation functionals were used to derive the potential energy profiles in protein environments. Although the enzyme is confirmed to work better as triesterase, as revealed by the barrier heights in the rate‐limiting steps of the catalytic processes, its promiscuous ability to hydrolyze also the product of the reaction has been confirmed. The important role played by water molecules and some residues in the outer coordination sphere has been elucidated, while the binuclear Co^II center accomplishes both structural and catalytic functions. To correctly describe the electronic configuration of the d shell of the metal ions, high‐ and low‐spin arrangement jointly with the occurrence of antiferromagnetic coupling, have been herein considered.     

UV‐ignited frontal polymerization of an epoxy resin

By combining frontal polymerization and radical‐induced cationic polymerization, it was possible to cure thick samples of an epoxy monomer bleached by UV light. The effect of the relative amounts of cationic photoinitiator and radical initiator was thoroughly investigated and was related to the front's velocity and its maximum temperature. The materials obtained were characterized by quantitative conversion also in the deeper layers, not reached by UV light. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2066–2072, 2004     

Infinite dimensional quadratic forms admitting composition

Composition algebras with a unit element constitute a well-known class of algebras. In this paper, those composition algebras with a one-sided unit element are characterized and examples are given of arbitrary infinite dimension.

     

The particular role of radiopharmacy within bioorganometallic chemistry

This article will emphasize the particular role of organometallic radiopharmaceutical chemistry, namely the need for syntheses from water and the emerging implications for other (bio)organometallic fields. After some basic insights into the different directions of bioorganometallic chemistry, some facets of the [M(CO)₃]⁺ (M = Tc, Re) moiety are reviewed and discussed in the respective context. The mechanism for the synthesis of [M(OH₂)₃(CO)₃]⁺ which is still little understood, will be touched. The formation of additional M-C bonds is exemplified with cyclopentadienyl chemistry, the potential impact on targeted molecular imaging with the labelling of amino acids and the reactivity towards essential biomolecules such as guanine is shown. Future perspectives and implications for organometallic radiopharmaceutical chemistry will close this article.     

5-Spirocyclopropane Isoxazolidines as Versatile Intermediates in Organic Synthesis

The review outlines the various different azaheterocycles available from 5-spirocyclopropane isoxazolidines. These compounds can be regarded as versatile direct precursors of tetrahydro-, dihydropyridone and azetidinone derivatives. The current scope and limitations, and the selectivity aspects of the different processes are discussed therein.     

Quantum Conservative Gates for Finite-Valued Logics

We introduce some conservative gates for finite-valued logics which are able to realize all the main connectives of the many-valued logics of ?ukasiewicz, the MV-algebras of Chang and Brower–Zadeh algebras. After a brief exposition of the motivations for this work, the gates are defined and their properties are explored. Finally, a possible quantum realization of them is proposed, using three techniques: a “brute force” method--an extension of the Conditional Quantum Control argument, and a new technique which we call the Constants Method. For all these techniques, the unitary operator which describes the gate is a sum of local operators.     

Mapping Properties of a Projection Related to the Helmholtz Equation

We study the continuity properties of a projection derived from a recent characterization of Herglotz Wave Functions in the plane. Herglotz Wave Functions are the entire solutions of the Helmholtz equation which have L²-Far-Field-Pattern. The behavior of this projection is reminiscent of the Disc Multiplier Operator on both L^p and mixed L^p-normed spaces. In particular a Kakeya type set plays a central role in our analysis. As a consequence we answer a question posed by Alvarez, Folch-Gabayet and Pérez-Esteva.     

Statistical Analysis of the Effect of Mineral Admixtures on the Strength of the Interfacial Transition Zone

Microscopic evidence indicates that the thickness of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the aggregate and the cement paste is modified when mineral admixtures partially replace portland cement. Unfortunately, there is limited information on the significance of these microscopic modifications to the mechanical properties of the ITZ. This research reports experimental results on the shear and tensile strength of the ITZ as affected by the addition of the following mineral admixtures: silica fume, fly ash, and natural pozzolan. Statistical analysis was used to identify the significant parameters affecting the tensile and shear strength of the ITZ. Experimental results indicate that not only does the incorporation of silica fume and fly ash increase the strength of the ITZ, these mineral admixtures have a greater influence on the strength increase of the ITZ than in the strength increase of the cement paste.