Parametric multiple sequence alignment and phylogeny construction

Bounds are given on the size of the parameter-space decomposition induced by multiple sequence alignment problems where phylogenetic information may be given or inferred. It is shown that many of the usual formulations of these problems fall within the same integer parametric framework, implying that the number of distinct optima obtained as the parameters are varied across their ranges is polynomially bounded in the length and number of sequences.     

The Random Average Process and Random Walk in a Space-Time Random Environment in One Dimension

We study space-time fluctuations around a characteristic line for a one-dimensional interacting system known as the random average process. The state of this system is a real-valued function on the integers. New values of the function are created by averaging previous values with random weights. The fluctuations analyzed occur on the scale n ^1/4, where n is the ratio of macroscopic and microscopic scales in the system. The limits of the fluctuations are described by a family of Gaussian processes. In cases of known product-form invariant distributions, this limit is a two-parameter process whose time marginals are fractional Brownian motions with Hurst parameter 1/4. Along the way we study the limits of quenched mean processes for a random walk in a space-time random environment. These limits also happen at scale n ^1/4 and are described by certain Gaussian processes that we identify. In particular, when we look at a backward quenched mean process, the limit process is the solution of a stochastic heat equation.     

Determination of biogenic amines in wine by multidimensional liquid chromatography with online derivatisation

An online multidimensional liquid chromatographic system was developed for online clean-up, derivatisation and separation of biogenic amines in wines. The system consists of a cation-exchange precolumn, a derivatisation coil and an analytical column, and a column-switching valve. The entire system can be easily automated. The method proved to be quantitative and sensitive. Limits of detection were below 0.05 mg l(-1) for all amines and linearity was preserved over the tested range (0.05-15 mg l(-1)). The method was applied to the analysis of red wines of different origin.     

Purification and partial characterization ofRhizomucor miehei lipase for ester synthesis

A commercialRhizomucor miehei lipase was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation. Phenyl Sepharose 6 Fast Row hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow anion-exchange chromatography. The recovery of lipase activity was 32% with a 42-fold purification. The molecular size of the purified enzyme was 31,600 Dalton and the pI 3.8. The enzyme was stable for at least 24 h within a pH range of 7.0-10.0, and 96.8% of the enzyme activity remained when kept at 30‡C for 24 h. Further, about 10–30% of the lipase activity was inhibited by K⁺, Li⁺, Ni⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Sn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Fe²⁺ ions and by SDS, but EDTA had no effect. Under the experimental conditions, the optimum temperature for the hydrolysis of olive oil was 50‡C (pH 8.0), and for the synthesis of 1-butyl oleate, 37‡C. It was concluded that hydrolytic activity of lipase alone is not a sufficient criterion for its synthetic potential. The optimal molar ratio of oleic acid and 1-butanol was 2:1 for 1-butyl oleate synthesis. The 1-butyl oleate yield was unaffected by purification of the enzyme after 12 h.     

Synthesis and catalytic activity of new chiral unsymmetrical Mn(III)-Schiff-base complexes containing salicylaldehyde and 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ketone units

Two new chiral unsymmetrical (non-C₂-symmetric) Schiff-base ligands containing salicylaldehyde and 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ketone units were synthesized from (R,R)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine as the chiral diamine using a stepwise approach. The Mn(III) complexes of the ligands were subsequently used as catalysts in asymmetric epoxidation of unfunctionalized alkenes and the results were compared with those obtained using typical C₂-symmetric Mn(III)–salen complexes. Possible reasons for the differences in reactivity and selectivity between the two types of catalysts are briefly discussed.     

On-line coupled liquid chromatography-gas chromatography

On-line coupled liquid chromatography–gas chromatography (LC–GC) is a powerful technique that combines the best features of LC and GC and is ideal for the analysis of complex samples. This review describes the unique features of on-line coupled LC–GC. The different interfaces and evaporation techniques are presented, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Guidelines are given for selecting a suitable LC–GC technique and representative applications are noted.