The photopolymerisation of methacrylic acid by colloidal semiconductors

Summary Methacrylic acid was photopolymerised using CdS and composite, CdS/HgS and CdS/TiO₂, colloidal semiconductor particles as initiators. The previously proposed photoinitiation mechanism involving the photogenerated positive hole in the valence band of the CdS colloid was confirmed by the electron scavenging action of TiO₂. The effect of pH on the course of the polymerisation was investigated and is discussed.     

Anti-Idiotype scFv Localizes an Autoepitope in the Globular Domain of C1q

We addressed the issue of C1q autoantigenicity by studying the structural features of the autoepitopes recognized by the polyclonal anti-C1q antibodies present in Lupus Nephritis (LN) sera. We used six fractions of anti-C1q as antigens and selected anti-idiotypic scFv antibodies from the phage library “Griffin.1”. The monoclonal scFv A1 was the most potent inhibitor of the recognition of C1q and its fragments ghA, ghB and ghC, comprising the globular domain gC1q, by the lupus autoantibodies. It was sequenced and in silico folded by molecular dynamics into a 3D structure. The generated 3D model of A1 elucidated CDR similarity to the apical region of gC1q, thus mapping indirectly for the first time a globular autoepitope of C1q. The V_H CDR2 of A1 mimicked the ghA sequence GSEAD suggested as a cross-epitope between anti-DNA and anti-C1q antibodies. Other potential inhibitors of the recognition of C1q by the LN autoantibodies among the selected recombinant antibodies were the monoclonal scFv F6, F9 and A12.     

Uncertain impulsive differential systems of fractional order: almost periodic solutions

In this paper, we investigate the existence and stability of almost periodic solutions of impulsive fractional-order differential systems with uncertain parameters. The impulses are realised at fixed moments of time. For the first time, we determine the impact of the uncertainties on the qualitative behaviour of such systems. The main criteria for the existence of almost periodic solutions are proved by employing the fractional Lyapunov method. The global perfect robust uniform-asymptotic stability of such solutions is also considered. We apply our results to uncertain impulsive neural network systems of fractional order.     

On global exponential stability for impulsive cellular neural networks with time-varying delays

In this paper, the problem of global exponential stability for cellular neural networks (CNNs) with time-varying delays and fixed moments of impulsive effect is studied. A new sufficient condition has been presented ensuring the global exponential stability of the equilibrium points by using piecewise continuous Lyapunov functions and the Razumikhin technique combined with Young’s inequality. The results established here extend those given previously in the literature. Compared with the method of Lyapunov functionals as in most previous studies, our method is simpler and more effective for stability analysis.     

Purification and characterization of a protease from Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown in cutting oil

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa san-ai strain was isolated from water-soluble cutting oil used for cooling and lubrication during industrial metal-working processes. This strain, which is grown in a high alkaline (pH 10) mixture of surfactants and mineral oil, produces an extracellular proteolytic enzyme. We have purified and characterized this 18 kDa protease. The P. aeruginosa san-ai protease functions optimally at pH 9.0 and 60 degrees C. Additionally, it is a Zn-containing metalloenzyme, and its monomeric structure contains at least one disulfide bond. Because the enzyme is stable in the presence of organic solvents, it is suitable for peptide synthesis. Furthermore, the P. aeruginosa san-ai protease could be used in an intelligent drug delivery system (DDS) designed for applications in the metal industry for prevention of putrefaction of cutting oil.     

The effect of high temperatures on the mechanical properties of concrete made with different types of aggregates

The main objective of this paper was to assess the benefits of using materials that were formed at high temperatures as an aggregate for concrete that was exposed to high temperature. The fire resistance of concrete made with some locally available, potential “fire-resistant” aggregates, such as diabase, steel slag, crushed bricks and crushed tiles, was investigated. The specimens of measurements 4×4×16 cm³ were kept in molds for 24 h and, after demolding, were kept in water at room temperature of about 20±2 °C until testing. At the age of 28 days, the specimens, with moisture content within the limits of 3-5%, were exposed to high temperatures in a previously heated test furnace. The residual mechanical properties (compressive and flexural strengths) of these concretes after natural cooling were compared with the residual mechanical properties of concrete made with commonly used river and dolomite aggregates. The replacement of natural concrete aggregates with brick and steel industry waste materials was justified, not only in terms of increased fire resistance, but also in terms of more responsible waste disposal.     

Almost periodic solutions for impulsive fractional differential equations

In this paper, we consider the existence of almost periodic solutions for impulsive fractional evolution equations involving Caputo fractional derivative. The main results are obtained by means of the theory of operators semi-group, probability density functions, fixed point theorems and the techniques based on fractional calculus. An example is also discussed to illustrate the theory. Some known results are improved and generalized.     

Self-assembled polyaniline 12-tungstophosphate micro/nanostructures

Polyaniline (PANI) micro/nanostructures were synthesized by the external-template-free oxidative polymerization of aniline in aqueous solution of 12-tungstophosphoric acid (WPA), using ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS) as an oxidant and starting the oxidation of aniline from slightly acidic media (pH 5.4–5.9). The effect of the initial weight ratio of WPA to aniline on molecular structure, morphology, and physicochemical properties of polyaniline 12-tungstophosphate (PANI-WPA) was investigated by FTIR, Raman and inductively coupled plasma optical emission (ICP-OES) spectroscopies, elemental analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and conductivity measurements. The morphological change of polymerization products during a single polymerization process, from non-conducting submicro-/microspherical oligoaniline intermediates to semiconducting PANI-WPA consisted of self-assembled nanotubes and/or nanorods co-existing with submicro-/microspheres, has been revealed by SEM and TEM. The average diameter of nanorods in PANI-WPA samples decreased with increasing the initial WPA/aniline weight ratio. The incorporation of 12-tungstophosphate counter-ions into PANI matrix has been proved by FTIR, Raman and ICP-OES spectroscopies, TGA and DTA analysis. Electrical conductivity of PANI-WPA increased in the range (2.5–5.3) × 10^?3 S cm^?1 with the increase of the initial WPA/aniline weight ratio. The presence of branched structures and phenazine units besides the ordinary paramagnetic and diamagnetic emeraldine salt structural features in PANI-WPA was proved by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies.     

In situ determination of radon concentration and total gamma radiation in Kastel Gomilica, Croatia

To determine current radiation background of the environment at the “Giricic” location in Kastel Gomilica, Croatia, in situ measurement of radon concentration (²²²Rn and ²²⁰Rn) in an open atmosphere on a ground level and at the height of 1.5 m has been made as well as total gamma radiation at the height of 1 m in an energy range of 15 keV to 2 MeV. The researched location was divided in three specific parts: (i) regulated area with the bottom ash and flying ash in the basis (“old” depot), (ii) unregulated area with waste materials, including bottom ash and flying ash, in the basis (“new” depot), (iii) uncontaminated area with no waste materials deposited on. Average radon concentration on a ground level was 213 Bq/m³ for the “old” depot, 214 Bq/m³ for the “new” depot and 59 Bq/m³ for the uncontaminated area and at the height of 1.5 m 20 Bq/m³ for the “old” depot, 34 Bq/m³ for the “new” depot and 26 Bq/m³ for the uncontaminated area. Average total gamma radiation values in selected energy range were 109.92 cps (counts per second) for the “old” depot, 357.76 cps for the “new” depot and 65.97 cps for the uncontaminated area. For selected radionuclides (²¹⁴Pb, ¹³⁷Cs, ²²⁸Ac, ^234mPa, ⁴⁰K and ²¹⁴Bi) average gamma radiation values at characteristic energies have been determined as well.