Formation of the spore clumps during heat treatment increases the heat resistance of bacterial spores

Effects of the clumping of bacterial spores on their heat resistance as a result of heat treatment were investigated. Spore suspensions of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus licheniformis were heated at 85 degrees C. Survivor curves of the three strains showed tailing in all treatments after 30 min. As the treatment time increased, the formation of spore clumps increased in all strains after 20 min. Relative hydrophobicity of the spore surface increased as a result of heat treatment. The effect of spore concentration on the inactivation of the B. licheniformis spores was investigated, and surviving curves showed no tailing below a concentration of 4.9 log CFU/ml.     

INTERFACIAL ADSORPTION OF 2-HYDROXY-5-NONYLBENZOPHENONE OXIME IN STATIC AND VIGOROUSLY STIRRED DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT

The interfacial adsorption of 2-hydroxy-5-nonylbenzo-phenone oxime (LIX65N) at a n-heptane/water interphase was examined under static and vigorously stirred conditions, varying the aqueous pH from 2 to 12. In static systems, the pH and the concentration dependences of the interfacial tension were analysed on the basis of the Gibbs equation. The acid dissociation equilibrium at the interface was evaluated. In vigorously stirred systems, the interfacial adsorption was observed as a reversible, reproducible decrease of the organic phase concentration in response to stirring. A Langmuir isotherm was applicable for the adsorption of neutral LIX65N in acidic condition. The greater adsorption of the anionic form of LIX65N occurring in alkaline condition required an alternative isotherm.     

Electronic structures and mechanical properties of boron and boron-rich crystals (Part 2)

The second part of this review treats the phase diagram of boron, because of the importance of the material research. A comparison of the phase stabilities of related crystals has been made and deducing general trends among them has been attempted, from which the reader could get useful insights for future development of superhard materials. The mechanical properties of boron and boron-rich crystals are then discussed as the basis of superhard materials. This area is the primary source, from which many controversies arose regarding the strong intericosahedral bonding. Through working on many examples for deformation, consistent interpretations are given.     

Effect of the rubbing force on dry rubbing fastness with various white cloths

The rubbing‐off of dye from fabrics was investigated from a kinetic viewpoint using various white cloths under weights of 2–6 N. The natural logarithm of the rate constant of dye transfer from dyed fabric to white cloths and that of the equilibrium constant were linearly related to the reciprocal of the rubbing force, which was given by the product of the weight and the friction coefficient between the dyed fabric and white cloth. Two straight lines were obtained, in spite of the variety of white cloths used, and they converged in the low rubbing force range. The results show that the dry rubbing fastness with various white cloths is primarily influenced by the friction coefficient and rubbing force rather than by the types of textile fibre or fabric.     

Synthesis of π-conjugated copolymer with dibenzo[d,d′]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]difuran unit in the main chain

New π-conjugated polymers with dibenzo[d,d′]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]difuran (DBBDF) unit in the main chains were synthesized. Copolymerization of 6,12-diiodo-DBBDF with p-diethynylbenzene or 2,7-diethynylfluorene derivative under Sonogashira–Hagiwara coupling-reaction condition gave the corresponding copolymer. The resulting copolymers were soluble in organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran and chloroform. In UV–vis absorption spectra, both copolymers showed red-shifted spectra compared to their monomer units. In the chloroform solutions, the copolymer with DBBDF and p-diethynylbenzene units showed yellowish-green emission, while the copolymer with DBBDF and 2,7-diethynylfluorene units did greenish-blue emission.     

X-ray absorption fine structure study on residue bromine in carbons with different degrees of graphitization

The structure of bromine residue compounds was investigated by X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) in order to interpret where and how bromine is present in carbons with different degrees of graphitization. The residue compounds can be classified into three groups, as obtained from X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra and the values of the intramolecular distance r_Br–Br determined by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). In Group I, prepared from the host carbons heat treated at temperatures higher than 1900 °C, bromine exists in the interlayer space of graphite in the form of Br₂ molecules with interaction of the π electrons of graphite. In Group III, from carbon heat treated at 1000 °C, most of the bromine probably reacts with carbon atoms having a dangling bond or functional groups. For Group II, where the host carbons are heat treated at intermediate temperatures, it is likely that bromine exists in undeveloped defects with a unique electronic state.     

Carnitine depletion during total parenteral nutrition despite oral L-carnitine supplementation

This study examined the behavioral mechanisms that support transfer of food from adults to infants in tufted capuchins (Cebus apella). Two captive groups of capuchins were presented with abundant quantities of unshelled pecans or commercial pellets. Five of 11 infant subjects could not open the nuts. A variety of tolerated interactions were initiated by infants toward adults, and food was frequently transferred. All such interactions were more frequent with nuts (a preferred food) than with pellets. Adult capuchins were equally tolerant of infant capuchins that could open nuts and those that could not. Tolerated interactions during feeding could result in acquisition of dietary information by young capuchins or to important, if intermittent, nutritional support.     

Experience of treatment for giant cell tumor of the upper tibia

Cell cycle analysis using flow cytometer (FCMX) was performed to evaluate the influence of cyclosporin A (CsA) on cellular proliferation during compensatory renal growth (CRG) in uninephrectomized (Ux) rats. CsA (50 mg/kg/day) was administered subcutaneously for 7 days and animals were scarificed 0, 12, 24, 48, 72, 120 and 168 h after Ux. The percent changes in the S (DNA synthesis) and G2M (DNA replication) phases in the contralateral kidney were analyzed. The cortical cells entering the S and G2M phases showed significant differences between CsA and vehicle groups (p = 0.0001, p = 0.001, respectively), but the medullary cells entering the S and G2M phases showed no significant differences between the 2 groups (p = 1.000, respectively). In the cortex, the CsA group showed a significant decrease in the S (at 12, 72 and 120 h) and G2M phases (at 24, 72 and 120 h) compared to the vehicle group (p < 0.05, respectively), but there was no significant difference in the medulla. In conclusion, cellular proliferation is suppressed in cortical cells by CsA.