Lipase-catalysed transesterification in the preparation of optically active monobutyrate of cis-2,3-epoxybutane-1,4-diol

The PPL-catalysed resolution of 4-hydroxy-2,3-epoxybutyl butyrate resulted in the (2S,3R)-(−)-enantiomer with high optical purity ( > 90% e.e.). The two acylation (or deacylation) steps from diol to dibutyrate (or from dibutyrate to diol) were shown to have reverse stereoselectivities.     

On the concept of point value in the infinite-dimensional realization theory

In this article, we study the effect of the chosen representation of a point value (and point evaluation) on the class of periodic signals realizable using a certain type of infinite-dimensional linear system. By suitably representing the point evaluation at the origin in a Hilbert space, we are able to give a complete characterization of its extensions. These extensions involve a new concept called δ-sequence, the use of which as an observation operator of an infinite-dimensional linear system is studied in this article. In particular, we consider their use in the realization of periodic signals. We also investigate how the use of δ-sequences affects the convergence properties of such realizations; we consider the rate and character of convergence and the removal of the Gibbs phenomenon. As still a further demonstration of the significance of the chosen concept of a point value, we discuss the use of distributional point values in the realization of periodic distributions. The possible applications of this work lie in regulator problems of infinite-dimensional control theory, as is indicated by the well-known internal model principle.     

Isolation of acetic acid-tolerant Baker’s yeast variants in a turbidostat

A commercial baker’s yeast was subjected to selection in a continuous turbidostat cultivation with increasing concentration of acetic acid. The final acetic acid content in fresh medium was 0.6% or 0.8% v/v. Two of seven selected variants were stable over 15 sequential shake flask cultivations without selection pressure. After laboratory scale production of baker’s yeast, one of the variants also showed increased acetic acid tolerance in sour dough. The overall raising power (mL CO₂/h) in sour dough was improved 36%.     

Electron Probe Microanalysis of HfO2 Thin Films on Conductive and Insulating Substrates

Quantitative electron probe microanalysis of highly insulating materials is a complicated problem, partially solved by coating samples with grounded thin conductive layers or using novel scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, such as low-voltage and/or variable pressure SEM. In this work, some problems of quantitative X-ray microanalysis of thin HfO₂ films, in particular the possibility to determine mass thickness correlated to the density of the layer material, are discussed. For comparison, Al₂O₃, Ta₂O₅ and TiO₂ films grown onto both semiconductive Si and insulating quartz substrates were also analysed. All the films studied were synthesized by atomic layer deposition method.     

The identification of vicinally substituted cyclohexane isomers in their mixtures by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy

The radical addition reactions of organobromine compounds, XBr (X = CH2COOMe, PhCH2, CHBr2 and CCl3) with cyclohexene afforded mixtures of cis/trans isomer pairs of 1-X-2-Br-cyclohexanes. In addition to benzyl benzoyloxy derivatives are formed also, when benzoyl peroxide is used as an initiator. Owing to the great difficulties in separating these cis/trans isomer pairs, they are identified directly in their mixtures by NMR spectroscopy. In addition to one-dimensional (ID) 1H, proton decoupled 13C and DEPT-135, also two-dimensional (2D) 13C-13C INADEQUATE as well as 1H-13C HMQC experiments have been used in assigning the signals of each compound in their mixtures. The identification of each isomer was based on comparison of experimental 3J(H,H) coupling constants with theoretical ones based on the well-known Karplus type relationship. The more stable conformation for each isomer was estimated using the semiempirical AM1 molecular orbital method. The calculations support the isomer pair elucidations.     

Cohen–Macaulay Multi–Rees Algebras

Let A be a local ring, and let I ₁,...,I _r A be ideals of positive height. In this article we compare the Cohen–Macaulay property of the multi–Rees algebra R _A (I ₁,...,I _r ) to that of the usual Rees algebra R _A (I ₁ ··· I _r ) of the product I ₁ ··· I _r . In particular, when the analytic spread of I ₁ ··· I _r is small, this leads to necessary and sufficient conditions for the Cohen–Macaulayness of R _A (I ₁,...,I _r ). We apply our results to the theory of joint reductions and mixed multiplicities.     

TEM Imaging of Mass-selected Polymer Molecules

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules with masses below 1300amu are electrosprayed (ES) from solution, mobility-selected at high resolution in a differential mobility analyzer (DMA), collected on a grid and imaged by transmission electron microscopy (ES–DMA–TEM). The DMA resolves individual n-mers, and selects only one out of the many present in the original sample. Ion identity is established from parallel mass spectra (ES-MS). The images reveal spherical particles 1.46nm in diameter, in good agreement with the known ion mass and bulk density. The DMA-selection technique opens new paths for the study of very small particles.