A discrete model of a two-particle contact applied to cohesive granular materials

In this paper, we consider the complex problem of how to simulate particle contacts, taking into account the cohesion effect. In accordance with the molecular dynamics models, we propose a novel expression for the repulsive force which controls dynamically the transfer and dissipation of energy in granular media. This expression is formulated under fractional calculus, where a fractional derivative accumulates the whole history of the virtual overlap over time in weighted form. We then discuss and illustrate the basic properties of the repulsive force in a normal direction to the contacting surfaces. This approach allows us to perform simulations of arbitrary multiparticle contacts as well as granular cohesion dynamics.     

Expression of VLA-4 on peripheral mononuclear cells in patients on chronic haemodialysis with carpal tunnel syndrome

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a major complication in long-term haemodialysis patients and is thought to be a form of haemodialysis-associated amyloidosis. CTS may be due to the deposition of amyloid as well as local inflammatory process in the carpal tunnel. Although macrophage-like cells infiltrating the tenosynovium of carpal tunnel are known to express mRNA for adhesion molecules, the level of expression of adhesion molecules on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients with CTS is unknown. METHODS: We compared the expression of very late activation antigen (VLA-4) on PBMC by flow cytometry in 14 patients on haemodialysis (6-21 years) with CTS, nine on haemodialysis (1-6 years) but without CTS and six patients on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD, 1-5 years) without CTS. RESULTS: The expression of VLA-4 on peripheral lymphocytes was not different among the groups. However, the FACScan fluorescence histogram of VLA-4 expression on peripheral monocytes showed a bimodal pattern in the CTS group, and the rate of the high intensity portion of the expressed VLA-4 on monocytes was significantly higher in CTS than other groups (P<0.05). The observed differences were not based on differences in the type of the dialysis membrane. We also examined the adhesion of PBMC to fibronectin-coated plates. The number of adherent PBMC was significantly higher in patients with CTS than in other groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that increased expression of VLA-4 on peripheral monocytes and augmented adhesion capacity of PBMC to fibronectin may be involved in the development of CTS in haemodialysis patients.     

1H mas NMR and IR studies of the acidic properties of realuminated zeolite Y

IR and¹H MAS NMR confirm that extra-framework aluminium present in dealuminated (ultrastable) zeolite Y is reintroduced into the framework by treatment with strongly basic solutions at elevated temperatures. The realuminated sample contains twice as many Brønsted acid sites than the ultrastable precursor and, with an accuracy of 20%, the same number of acid sites as the parent as-prepared zeolite. However, not as many hydroxyl groups associated with framework Al in the product are acccesible to pyridine as in the parent sample.     

Verträglichkeit zwischen Methacrylat-homo- und Copolymeren

The miscibility of various polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)/polybutylmethacrylate (PBMA)/poly(methylmethacrylate-co-butylmethacrylate)systems has been studied. PMMA and PBMA are immiscible. Methacrylic homopolymers and copolymers are immiscible, too. A one-phase mixture from PMMA and PBMA is only accessible by copolymerization.     

Polyurethane synthesis reactions in asphalts

A series of asphalt–polyurethane composites was prepared by means of polyurethane synthesis in asphalt and carried out in melt. The applied materials were asphalts of differentiated group components content, polyester polyols of chain structure from linear to strongly branched, 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, 4,4-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate), and tinorganic catalyst. The asphalt components react with isocyanates to a minimal degree. The influence of the applied substrates, temperature, and polyurethane content in the system on the basic kinetic relations characterizing the process is presented. Polyurethane synthesis in asphalts does not differ in a fundamental way from the obtaining of polyurethanes, especially when their content in the composition is significant, 20 wt % and more.     

The effect of cryoprotectants during freezing or freeze drying upon properties of washed mechanically recovered broiler meat

Mechanically recovered meat (MRM) from broilers was washed three times with water and subjected to either slow or rapid freezing or freeze-drying with, or without, the presence of cryoprotectants. Both freezing and freeze-drying reduced the functionality of the MRM when no cryoprotectants were used. Sorbitol/sucrose showed some protection of gel forming ability of frozen samples whilst sorbitol/sucrose with tripolyphosphate gave stronger gels after freezing or freeze-drying than fresh samples. Most of the loss of functionality during freezing or freeze-drying was caused by loss of solubility of myosin and to a lesser extent actin. This was supported by DSC studies. The combined presence of sorbitol/sucrose/tripolyphosphate restored most functional properties of the frozen or freeze-dried material to that of the fresh material.     

Effective Optical Image Assessment of Cellulose Paper Immunostrips for Blood Typing

Novel high-performance biosensing devices, based on a microporous cellulose matrix, have been of great interest due to their high sensitivity, low cost, and simple operation. Herein, we report on the design and testing of portable paper-based immunostrips (IMS) for in-field blood typing in emergencies requiring blood transfusion. Cellulose fibrils of a paper membrane were functionalized with antibodies via supramolecular interactions. The formation of hydrogen bonds between IgM pentamer and cellulose fibers was corroborated using quantum mechanical calculations with a model cellulose chain and a representative amino acid sequence. In the proposed immunostrips, paper with a pore size of 3 µm dia. was used to enable functionalization of its channels with antibody molecules while blocking the red blood cells (RBC) from channel entering. Under the optimized test conditions, all blood types of AB0 and Rh system could be determined by naked eye examination, requiring only a small blood sample (3.5 µL). The durability of IgM immunostrips against storing has been tested. A new method of statistical evaluation of digitized blood agglutination images, compatible with a clinical five-level system, has been proposed. Critical parameters of the agglutination process have been established to enable future development of automatic blood typing with machine vision and digital data processing.