Preparative GPC in fundamental polymer synthesis

Summary A simple efficient preparative gel permeation chromatography assembly (prep GPC) has been built using largely commercially available components, (i.e., pump, columns, all glass solvent recirculating system) and its usefulness in fundamental polymer synthesis was demonstrated. The operating cost of prep GPC has been reduced and the safety much improved by the use of n-hexane as the mobile phase. Rapid one-recycle narrow fractionation (M_w/M_n=1.1–1.2) and purification of relatively large quantities (up to 20 g/loading) of polyisobutylene (PIB) samples is described. Operating parameters and efficiency are illustrated by examples. By the use of this equipment sufficient quantities of narrow MWD polyhydrocarbons can be conveniently and rapidly obtained for meaningful structure/property research.     

Fabrication of single-mode chalcogenide optical fiber

Long lengths (>150 m) of single-mode chalcogenide optical fiber were fabricated by a double crucible technique. Single-mode transmission through 10 m of continuous fiber was demonstrated using an F-center laser at 2.7 μm. The optical loss of this fiber was measured by a standard cutback technique using an FTIR spectrometer and also using an F-center laser, A minimum loss of less than 1 dB/m was obtained     

Radiation dose to positron emission tomography technologists during quantitative versus qualitative studies

Positron emission tomography technologists were monitored with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) during qualitative and quantitative studies. Doses to technologists during specific tasks were also measured. The technologists received at least twice as much radiation during the quantitative as the qualitative studies. The average dose per study for qualitative studies was 0.017 mSv (1.7 mrem) shallow and 0.014 mSv (1.4 mrem) deep. The average dose per study for the quantitative studies was 0.05 mSv (5 mrem) shallow and 0.04 mSv (4 mrem) deep. The average dose per study was based on the TLD dose accumulated over studies conducted over four 2-mo and one 1-mo intervals. The dose incurred by the technologists each time they drew a radioactive dose was 0.002 mSv (0.2 mrem) shallow and 0.001 mSv (0.1 mrem) deep. The doses received during injection were 0.014 mSv (1.4 mrem) shallow and 0.007 mSv (0.7 mrem) deep. Doses received during blood sampling were 0.016 mSv (1.6 mrem) shallow and 0.014 mSv (1.4 mrem) deep. During quantitative studies, the technologist received a much greater dose than during its qualitative counterpart due to the blood sampling process and increased time in the room with the radioactive patient.     

Application of pork fat diacylglycerols in meat emulsions

The properties of fat are of major importance when meat products are produced. By enzymatic modification triacylglycerols (TAGs) can be converted to diacylglycerols (DAGs) resulting in changes of the physical and chemical properties of the fat. In this study the texture as well as the hydration and binding properties were investigated in meat emulsions prepared with lard substituted with different amounts of DAGs derived from the lard. In emulsions prepared with DAGs the percentage of total expressible fluid decreased from 28.2% in products prepared with lard to 11.8% in emulsions prepared with 100% DAGs. The fat separation decreased from 10.9% to 7.8% when 10% of DAGs were applied and no fat separation was observed for emulsions prepared with 50% and 100% DAGs. Emulsions containing DAGs were more elastic and solid reflected in a significant increase in Young's modulus and the maximum hardness. The results suggest future opportunities for the application of DAGs to improve the quality of meat products.     

Reduced Fresnel losses in chalcogenide fibers obtained through fiber-end microstructuring

We demonstrate microstructuring of chalcogenide fiber facets in order to obtain enhanced transmission due to the antireflective properties of the microstructured surfaces. A variety of molding approaches have been investigated for As(2)S(3) and As(3)Se(3) fibers. Transmission as high as 97% per facet was obtained in the case of As(2)S(3) fiber, compared to the native, Fresnel-loss limited, transmission of 83%.