Chain and distributive coalgebras

We show that coalgebras whose lattice of right coideals is distributive are coproducts of coalgebras whose lattice of right coideals is a chain. Those chain coalgebras are characterized as finite duals of Noetherian chain rings whose residue field is a finite dimensional division algebra over the base field. They also turn out to be coreflexive. Infinite dimensional chain coalgebras are finite duals of left Noetherian chain domains. Given any finite dimensional division algebra D and D-bimodule structure on D, we construct a chain coalgebra as a cotensor coalgebra. Moreover if D is separable over the base field, every chain coalgebra of type D can be embedded in such a cotensor coalgebra. As a consequence, cotensor coalgebras arising in this way are the only infinite dimensional chain coalgebras over perfect fields. Finite duals of power series rings with coeficients in a finite dimensional division algebra D are further examples of chain coalgebras, which also can be seen as tensor products of D^∗, and the divided power coalgebra and can be realized as the generalized path coalgebra of a loop. If D is central, any chain coalgebra is a subcoalgebra of the finite dual of D[[x]].     

On distributive modules and rings

In this paper we study ω-distributive modules, where ω is a cardinal number. We extend a characterization of distributive modules to ω-distributive modules. In particular, the case in which ω = n is a finite cardinal is considered. We apply the results to the case n = 2, obtaining new characterizations for distributive modules and rings. Special attention is given to saturated submodules and ideals.     

Differentiation between o- and p-quinol/quinone functionality with a simple test using cyclic voltammetry

Complexation with boric acid combined with cyclic voltammetry serves to prove theo-quinol/quinone functionality in emmotin H (1) and I (2). Supported by similar investigation of four reference compounds the method is suggested as a quick and reliable test ofo-quinol/quinone functionality and for differentiation fromp-quinol/quinone functionality. Voluminous groups such as 2-isopropanolyl ino-position do not interfere with the complex formation. The test requires quantities of materials in the order of 10 to 100g.     

Phase diagrams of lyotropic cholesteric fluids

Experimental investigations of lyotropic cholesterics fluids are presented which show that changes in the shape anisotropy and chirality of the micellar population determine the topology of the temperature-concentration phase diagrams. For given amounts of the substances which induce the chirality and modify the shape anisotropy of the micelles, two distinct biaxial cholesteric phases are disclosed in the phase diagrams. This is interpreted in the framework of the catastrophe theory of phase transitions.     

The structure of velutinoside A: a pregnane pentasaccharide from Mandevilla velutina

Detailed spectroscopic analysis (IR, NMR and MS) has shown the structure of the potent bradykinin antagonist velutinoside A to be a pentasaccharide derivative of velutinol A, with the unusual sugars oleandrose and digitalose.     

When is a Crossed Product by a Twisted Partial Action Azumaya?

In this article, we discuss necessary and sufficient conditions for the crossed product S = R_α G by a twisted partial action α of a finite group G on a ring R to be separable over its center.     

Biocompatibility and structural stability of a laminin biopolymer

Polylaminin (polyLM) is a polymerized form of the extracellular matrix protein laminin obtained upon pH acidification. Here microscopy and spectroscopic tools are used to study the cell compatibility and the structural stability of polyLM, aiming at establishing its robustness as a biopolymer for therapeutic use. PolyLM is cell compatible as judged by the efficiency of attachment and neuritogenesis. It is resistant to low temperature. Addition of urea or an increase in hydrostatic pressure leads to polymer disassembly. PolyLM biofilms remain stable for 48 h in contact with cell culture medium. The sedimented polymer recovered after centrifugation and adsorbed on a glass coverslip preserved its original structure and its biological properties.

     

Size‐dependent SERS enhancement of colloidal silver nanoplates: the case of 2‐amino‐5‐nitropyridine

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of 2‐amino‐5‐nitropyridine (ANP) adsorbed on colloidal silver triangular nanoplates were obtained using samples with different mean sizes and surface plasmon frequencies. The relative SERS enhancement factor for each sample was determined by the analysis of the normalized SERS excitation profiles of ANP vibrational modes for nanoplates in suspension, without aggregation. The SERS profiles are blue‐shifted in relation to the localized surface plasmon peak. The detailed characterization of both morphology and concentration of the samples in addition to a rigorous normalization of the SERS spectra allowed a quantitative correlation between the SERS profiles and the mean size of the nanoplates. This correlation indicated the existence of an optimum size of the nanoplates for maximum Raman enhancement. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.