A preconditioned domain decomposition algorithm for the solution of the elliptic Neumann problem

A new preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG)-based domain decomposition method is given for the solution of linear equations arising in the finite element method applied to the elliptic Neumann problem. The novelty of the proposed method is in the recommended preconditioner which is constructed by using cyclic matrix. The resulting preconditioned algorithms are well suited to parallel computation.     

GENETIC VARIATIONS AND LINOLENIC ACID INDUCED CHANGES IN THE ORIENTATION PATTERN OF CHLOROPHYLL a IN THYLAKOID MEMBRANES

Abstract Orientation pattern of the Q_y absorption and emission dipoles of chlorophyll a were studied in wild type Scenedesmus obliquus and in mutants deficient in chlorophyll b and carotenoids. Fluorescence polarization ratio at –140°C and linear dichroism at 25°C were measured in whole cells and thylakoids aligned in polyacrylamide gel. Unlike normal thylakoids, mutants displayed fluorescence polarization ratios significantly lower than 1.0 and showed a negative LD signal around 672 nm, indicating the tendency of the Q_y dipoles to tilt out from the membrane plane. Such an orientation pattern can also be artificially induced by treating normal thylakoids with linolenic acid.     

A two-dimensional laser diameter gauge

A two-dimensional diameter control apparatus has been devised and constructed on the laser scanning principle, which uses a reference grating to determine the outer diameter of an object as well as the position of the scanning beam.     

Investigation of Thermal Degradation of PVC in the Solid State

The thermal degradation of PVC powders and the inhibition of this process by cadmium laurate was investigated by the measurement of discoloration, diffuse reflectance spectra, and the quantity of hydrochloric acid formed. Kinetic analysis of the data obtained by us previously showed that both the data of color measurements and those of diffuse reflectance spectra may be used conveniently for the calculation of the number of double bonds formed during the degradation.     

A Versatile Approach for the Site‐Specific Modification of Recombinant Antibodies Using a Combination of Enzyme‐Mediated Bioconjugation and Click Chemistry

A unique two‐step modular system for site‐specific antibody modification and conjugation is reported. The first step of this approach uses enzymatic bioconjugation with the transpeptidase Sortase A for incorporation of strained cyclooctyne functional groups. The second step of this modular approach involves the azide–alkyne cycloaddition click reaction. The versatility of the two‐step approach has been exemplified by the selective incorporation of fluorescent dyes and a positron‐emitting copper‐64 radiotracer for fluorescence and positron‐emission tomography imaging of activated platelets, platelet aggregates, and thrombi, respectively. This flexible and versatile approach could be readily adapted to incorporate a large array of tailor‐made functional groups using reliable click chemistry whilst preserving the activity of the antibody or other sensitive biological macromolecules.     

Increasing the solubility characteristics of D-norgestrel with cyclodextrins

Levonorgestrel dissolves only slightly in water. Attempts were made to increase the solubility properties of this drug by complexing with cyclodextrins. The products were investigated with a dissolution tester and a Sartorius resorption model. X-ray and NMR spectra of the inclusion complexes were analysed.