Effect of complexation of oxidised corn starch with mineral elements on physicochemical properties

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of complexation of oxidised starch with mineral elements on its physicochemical properties. Corn starch was oxidised with sodium hypochlorite and, afterwards, modified with ions of potassium, magnesium and iron. Thus, native and modified starches were analysed for: contents of mineral elements, colour parameters (L*a*b*), water binding capacity and solubility in water at temperature of 60 and 80 °C. Thermodynamic characteristics of gelatinisation by DSC, molecular weight distribution by GPC, intrinsic viscosity and pasting properties by RVA were studied. The efficiency of incorporation of metal ions into oxidised corn starch was about 30%, 20% and 20% for potassium, magnesium and iron ions, respectively. The complexation with potassium ions caused the greatest changes in the molecular weight distribution and the intrinsic viscosity of starches and viscosity of starch pastes. Only modification of starch with iron ions affected the colour parameters of the starch. Incorporation of metal ions into starch resulted also in changes in its water binding capacity and solubility in water.     

Analysis of spontaneous electrochemical oscillations by energy distribution technique

Analysis of non-stationary electrochemical oscillations emerges utilization of the techniques allowing an observation of time evolution of their parameters such as instantaneous frequency, amplitude or frequency band. An algorithm of extraction of these parameters can be based on one of linear or quadratic time-frequency representations of oscillations record. In this paper, the authors present representatives of such transformations (Choi-Williams and Cone-shaped) originating from one of the most popular joint time-frequency energy distribution—Wigner-Ville distribution. Short introduction to the mathematics of the topic discussed is provided, then the authors present an example of application in the analysis of current oscillations of copper dissolution process.     

Microflora of periodontal pockets in advanced periodontitis

The aim of study was the evaluation of periodontal pockets microflora in patients with advanced periodontitis. From each subject 16-20 samples were taken using paper points. Pooled sample after 60 s. mixing was serially diluted in reduced BHI. For total cell counts and for the isolation of black pigmented anaerobes Brucella agar supplemented with 5% sheep blood, hemin, menadione, with and without Kanamycin-Vancomycin mixture and BM agar plates were used. For isolation of A. actinomycetemcomitans TSBV agar plates were used. Cultures were incubated in anaerobic chamber at 37 degrees C for 7 days and TSBV agar plates in an atmosphere of 95% air-5% CO2 at 37 degrees C for 5 days. Microorganisms were identified by Gram staining, colony morphology, fluorescence in UV-light, haemagglutination of 3% sheep erythrocytes, fermentation of sugars, production of indole, urease (API 20A), specific enzymes (Rapid ID 32A). Twenty seven subjects with clinically recognized periodontitis were examined. Microorganisms important in periodontitis were isolated from periodontal pockets of almost all examined subjects. The number of bacteria obtained from the sample of one patient ranged from 1 x 10(4) CFU/ml to 3,6 x 10(6) CFU/ml. Porphyromonas gingivalis was identified in the samples taken from 17 patients, Prevotella intermedia-19, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans -11, Fusobacterium nucleatum-9, Peptostreptococcus spp.-22.     

p53 oncogene in the laryngeal cancer

The effect of a novel flavonoid, venoruton (a mixture of mono-, di-, tri- and tetrahydroxyethylrutosides) has been investigated in healthy rat lenses and compared with diabetic cataract modelled in vitro. One mM venoruton was added to medium simulating healthy and diabetic conditions for the incubated lenses; damage was followed by either stereoscopic photography of the lenses under a Cooperative Cataract Research Group operating microscope or with our recently developed method: the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the lens culture media. The increased LDH activity in the medium and observable development of the opacity were correlated with cell damage, which has been found to be associated with globular degeneration and cataract formation. The extent of opacification and LDH release is reduced if 1 mM venoruton is included in the medium. The protective effect may be related to antioxidant activity against reactive oxygen species: decreased luminol luminescence was shown after venoruton addition to either superoxide-generating hypoxanthine plus xanthine oxidase, or hydrogen peroxide.     

“Ärztliche Freiheit und Berufsethos“ — Hängen ärztliche Berufsfreiheit und ärztliches Berufsethos zusammen?

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

A personal computer based system used in electromyography for interpretation and reporting

Programs for rule based electromyography (EMG) interpretation and reporting are described. A number of parameters are obtained during an EMG investigation. The combination of these data leads to a neurophysiological conclusion. Knowledge from the literature, research and experience is the basis for rule development. Rules have been developed for 14 of the most commonly used classifications of an EMG. The syntax is relatively easy and the user may change the rules, add rules or apply the system for other types of data. The results are displayed in a new graphical way. The system presented here is part of an integrated EMG laboratory with administrative routines, distributed databases for storage of results and routines for automatic report generation.     

Influence of the oxygen content of low-rank coals on the development of porosity during carbonization

The development of porosity in the course of carbonization of a flame coal, original and pre-oxidized, was studied by means of the adsorption of benzene and carbon dioxide. The results were compared with corresponding data for cokes from a xylitic brown coal. The influence of coal oxygen content on the formation of coke porosity and its thermal dependence is discussed.     

Quasi-optical measurement of complex dielectric constant at 300 GHz

A two beam interferometer in the Martin-Puplett configuration is used to determine the complex dielectric constant at 300 GHz of teflon, TPX-plastics, SPECTRALON and paraffin waxes with melting temperatures of 48° C and 72° C, respectively. The design of the quasi-optical system leads to a constant beam diameter at the power detector independent of path delay and frequency. The power detector signal is recorded not only along one period but over about 50 periods. A spectrum estimation routine allows to determine more exactly amplitude and phase angle of the signal. A basic problem is noticed: imperfect detector and source match cause harmonic distortion of the power detector signal. The effects on processing the loss tangent and the invalidation are shown. Finally loss tangent and dielectric constant are determined indirectly by optimizing an equivalent microwave circuit using a commercial available microwave design system to take multiple reflections and losses in consideration.