The immobilisation of enzymes on titanium-activated inorganic supports

Methods are described for the immobilisation of enzymes on inorganic supports activated by the surface deposition of an imperfectly crystallised film of TiO₂. The stability of the preparations is shown to be strongly dependent on the integrity of the support-TiO₂ link which is in turn dependent on the pretreatment of the solid support. The enzyme may be linked to the activated support using 5-aminosalicylic acid (with or without diazotisation), tannic acid or stannous chloride, or by direct contact. These preparations are shown to have activities and operational stabilities superior to those of a preparation made using the silane-glutaraldehyde method on the same glass support.     

The simulation of building heat transfer for passive solar systems

A numerical simulation program, based upon a finite difference nodal network, was used to simulate two Los Alamos test cells (one single and one multi-room cell) and a typical residence — all of which were exposed to intense insolation and large changes in ambient weather conditions. For the test cells, the predicted surface and globe temperatures are in good agreement with the measured values and indicate the acceptability of thermal modeling.The program was used to predict the behavior of a residential structure. The process of refining these predictions, guided by observations, led to the development of a stepwise simulation methodology. The insights gained as a result of this interdisciplinary involvement have been stimulating and instructive. The importance of recognizing the differences in the thought processes and the work styles of the several professions has been demonstrated. The most effective simulation methodology was that based upon human comfort, which appeared to be a common perception amongst all the program users.     

Degradation of linear alkylate sulfonates in sewage

Residual linear alkylate sulfonates isolated from sewage effluents during a field test of biologically soft detergents reveal chain-length and phenyl isomer distributions similar to those in the influent stream. The data suggest no preferential degradation of linear alkylate sulfonate isomers under the field test conditions. The effluent is, however, characterized by apparent changes in branching content.