Anisotropy of poly(vinyl alcohol) films in the u.v. and i.r. regions of the spectrum

Absorption properties of anisotropic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films in u.v., Vis, and i.r. spectral regions were investigated. The orientation of the transition moments with respect to the long axis of the chain was determined together with the arrangement of PVA chain. Anisotropic PVA matrices should be considered in terms of binary solvents since together with crystallites, there are regions of amorphous structure.     

Influence of oxidized polyethylene wax (OPW) on the mechanical,thermal, morphological and biodegradation properties of PHB/LDPE blends

Blends of poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) were prepared in proportions of 100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 27/75 and 0/100 (PHB/LDPE wt.%), with and without oxidized polyethylene wax (OPW, 5 wt.%), and the mechanical, thermal (differential scanning calorimetry and melting flow index, morphological (scanning electron microscopy) and biodegradation (aging in simulated soil) properties were evaluated. The addition of OPW increased the tensile strength and Young’s modulus but decreased the elongation at break of the blends. Similarly, OPW increased the T _g of the pure LDPE and enhanced the melt flow index. Scanning electron microscopy showed that OPW reduced the phase separation of LDPE and increased the biodegradation during aging in simulated soil.     

Nuisance Operations of Distribution Fuse Links Due to Lightning-Induced Current Surges

The probability of nuisance operations of distribution fuse links due to lightning-induced current surges is the subject of much discussion today. This discussion is driven, in part, by the practice of moving the surge arrester to the transformer tank to improve overvoltage protection of the transformer. One consequence of this practice is that the probability of nuisance operation of the fuse link protecting the transformer will increase significantly unless larger fuse-link sizes are employed or unless high-surge-capacity fuse links are used. Section II of this paper describes a method for determining the probability of nuisance operations of fuse links under various conditions. Section III describes one utility's experience with moving the arrester to the transformer tank and also its success with high-surge-capacity fuse links     

Enzymatic and molecular characteristics of Geotrichum candidum strains as a starter culture for malting

Geotrichum candidum yeasts are proposed as a starter culture during malting. They have a double positive effect on the process. They eliminate the fungal pathogenic microflora and improve the technological properties of the finished product, malt. Among published research little or no information can be found considering the biosynthesis of hydrolytic enzymes. Most of the data is related to the production of lipases, proteases and cellulases. This paper examines the enzymology of a number of G. candidum strains. The main focus within the evaluation process was placed on whole cell barley grain cultivation. Hydrolase, which is present in cell wall degradation, was found at a satisfactory level. All tested strains produced both β‐1,3‐glucanases and β‐1,4‐glucanases capable of hydrolysing barley β‐glucan and reducing the amount of this polysaccharide in the wort. Molecular analysis of the tested strains with the use of restriction fragment length polymorphism–polymerase chain reaction and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA confirmed not only the species affiliation, but also the genetic similarity between the tested strains. Copyright © 2014 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Phase transformation and microstructural evolution after heat treatment of a terbium-doped lithium–aluminum phosphate glass

The crystallization kinetics and phase transformation of a transparent Tb³⁺-doped lithium–aluminum phosphate glass, prepared by melt quenching, were investigated. The energy associated to the glass transition and the crystallization parameters (activation energy for crystallization and Avrami exponent) were evaluated by different methods using the experimental data obtained by differential thermal analysis performed at different heating rates. Using an isoconversional method to determine the change of the activation energy for crystallization with the fraction of crystallization, it was verified that with the increase in the fraction of crystallization from 0.1 to 0.9, the value of the activation energy decreased slightly from ~370 to ~310 kJ mol^?1 and that the Avrami exponent varied from 0.8 to 1, suggesting a surface crystal growth mechanism. Observation of the microstructural evolution of heat-treated glass samples confirmed a surface crystallization process revealing spherulitic crystals constituted mainly by aluminum metaphosphate.     

Grafting of PNIPAAm on PVDF submicroscopic tracks induced by the active sites remainders of the etching process

The present work is part of a systematic study that involves different polymeric substrates and monomers with the purpose to induce grafting on etched tracks. The residual active sites produced by heavy ion beams, remaining after the etching process, were used to start the grafting process. In order to produce tracks on foils of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) they were irradiated with ²⁰⁸Pb of 25.62 MeV/n or with 115 MeV Cl ions. Then, they were etched and grafted with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) monomers. Experimental curves of grafting yield as a function of fluence with the etching time as a parameter were measured. Also, the grafting yield as a function of the grafting and etching time was obtained. The replica method allowed the observation of the shape of the grafted tracks using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition NIPAAm grafted foils were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).     

Carbohydrate content of apolipoprotein B-48 from rat chylomicrons of varying density

Monosaccharide composition was determined in apolipoprotein B-48 (apoB) of chylomicrons of rat mesenteric lymph. Chylomicrons were separated into three fractions based on density. Triglyceride and apolipoprotein content were determined in each. ApoB was isolated and quantified using precipitation with isopropanol. Chylomicrons were collected in lymph under normal conditions, and with Poloxalene 2930 when chylomicron secretion was inhibited. Most of the triglyceride was carried in the least dense fraction, while the highest apoB content was in the most dense fraction under normal conditions. Mannose and galactosamine contents of apoB were similar in all fractions while contents of both glucosamine and galactose were highest in the least dense fraction. When chylomicron secretion was inhibited by Poloxalene, the amount of triglyceride recovered in the least dense fraction was significantly reduced. Despite the inhibition of lipid transport in the least dense fraction of chylomicrons by Poloxalene, there was little change in apoB recoveries and in the relative content of various monosaccharides in the apoB from each of the three fractions as compared to results obtained during lipid absorption under normal conditions. In conclusion, carbohydrate composition of apoB of chylomicrons is heterogeneous and varies with chylomicron density.     

Parental reports of coparenting and observed coparenting behavior during the toddler period.

Fifty-two married partners played with their 30-mo-olds in both dyadic (parent–child) and whole family contexts and reported on their own coparenting activities (family integrity-promoting behavior, conflict, disparagement, and reprimand). Coparenting behavior observed in the whole family context was evaluated for antagonism, warmth and cooperation, child–adult centeredness, balance of positive involvement, and management of toddler behavior. Parallel balance and management scores were also formed using dyadic session data. Men's reported family integrity-promoting activities and women's reported conflict and reprimand activities were reliable correlates of family group process in both bivariate and discriminant analyses, with links enduring even after controlling for marital quality. Whole family- and dyad-based estimates of coparenting were altogether unrelated, and reported coparenting was tied only to behavior in family context, not to family measures created from dyad-based data. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)