Modeling H NMR transverse magnetization decay in polysiloxane-silica composites

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been used effectively in the analysis of elastomeric, soft materials and has been proven to be both sensitive to micro- and macroscopic changes associated with “aging” mechanisms. Traditional analyses, however, rely on empirical formulae containing a large number of (often arbitrary) independent variables. The resulting ambiguity can be circumvented largely by developing models of NMR observables that are based on basic polymer physics. We compare two such models, one previously published and one derived herein, along with two empirical expressions that describe the proton transverse magnetization decay associated with complex polymer networks. One particular extracted parameter, the proton-proton residual dipolar coupling (RDC), can be directly related to network topology, and a comparison of the extracted RDCs reveals high consistency among the models. An expression derived from the properties of a static Gaussian chain can minimize the number of parameters necessarily to describe the solid-like, networked proton population to a single independent parameter, the average RDC, D_avg. The distribution of RDCs derived via this methodology is qualitatively similar to those derived from previously published multiple quantum techniques, although quantitative differences between the derived RDCs persist, suggesting that further analysis is necessary.     

Performances of a heat exchanger and pilot boiler for the development of a condensing gas boiler

In this research, design factors for a heat exchanger and boiler were investigated using a simplified model of a heat exchanger and pilot condensing boiler, respectively. Specifications of each heat exchanger component (e.g., upper heat exchanger (UHE) and lower heat exchanger (LHE); coil heat exchanger (CHE); baffles) were investigated using a model apparatus, and the comprehensive performance of the pilot gas boiler was examined experimentally. The heating efficiency of the boiler developed was about 90% when using the optimal designed heat exchangers. Compared to a conventional Bunsen-type boiler, the heating efficiency was improved about 10%. Additionally, NO_x and CO emissions were about 30 ppm and 160 ppm, respectively, based on a 0% O₂ basis at an equivalence ratio of 0.70, which is an appropriate operating condition. However, the pollutant emission of the boiler developed is satisfactory considering the emission performance of a condensing boiler, even though CO emission must be reduced.     

Multiple roles for endothelin in melanocyte development: regulation of progenitor number and stimulation of differentiation

Melanocytes in the skin are derived from the embryonic neural crest. Recently, mutations in endothelin 3 and the endothelin receptor B genes have been shown to result in gross pigment defects, indicating that this signalling pathway is required for melanocyte development. We have examined the effects of endothelins on melanocyte progenitors in cultures of mouse neural crest. Firstly, they stimulate an increase in progenitor number and act synergistically with another factor, Steel factor, in the survival and proliferation of the progenitors. These findings are consistent with findings from mice with natural mutations in the endothelin receptor B gene, which show an early loss of melanocyte progenitors. Secondly, endothelins induce differentiation of the progenitors into fully mature pigmented melanocytes. This finding is consistent with the expression of endothelins in the skin of mice at the initiation of pigmentation. The melanocytes generated in endothelin-treated cultures also become responsive to alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which then acts to regulate the activity of the pigmentation pathway. These findings indicate two key roles for endothelin in melanocyte development: regulation of expansion of the progenitor pool and differentiation of progenitors into mature melanocytes.     

Particle sizing of flocculated latex particles by physisorption of nitrogen

Physisorption of nitrogen at one specific pressure is used to determine the specific surface area of a flocculated polystyrene latex by applying BET theory. Assuming that a flocculated sample of Polymer latex is composed of distinct spherical latex particles (i.e., there is no coagulation of particles), the volume–surface-average diameter can be calculated. The resulting diameters are compared to sizes obtained using a disc centrifuge sedimentometer, which fractionizes the particles by sedimentation. The diameters from both techniques were in good agreement, showing that physisorption of nitrogen, which is a simple technique, can be used to determine sizes of flocculated latex particles. This agreement also shows that the flocculation of the polystyrene latex produced separate nonporous spherical particles. When flocculation of a latex is done above its glass transition temperature, coagulation will occur. While other particle sizing techniques can produce particle size distributions, the physisorption of nitrogen only gives the volume–surface-average diameter. However, one advantage of the physisorption of nitrogen is that it covers a broad range of particle sizes compared to most other techniques. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Isolation of σ-(L-α-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine from culture broths by covalent chromatography

An efficient procedure for the isolation of reduced -(L-α-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine (ACV) from culture supernatants of β-lactam antibiotic-producing microorganisms is described. The method utilises covalent chromatography to isolate thiols from culture broths that have been deproteinised and undergone borohydride reduction. 2-Pyridyl disulphide activated thiopropyl Sepharose was employed batchwise to isolate the thiols present in such broths from cultures of the known ACV excreter Cephalosporium acremonium N2 and the penicillin producer Penicillium chrysogenum P2. ACV was separated from these mixtures of thiols by gel permeation chromatograhy. Reversed-phase HPLC analysis showed the ACV to be of a high purity unless isolated from a highly complex culture medium.     

The evolving food and nutrition agenda: policy and research priorities for the coming decade

Enormous progress has been made in the past 100 years in improving diet and nutritional status. However, the job is not done. This paper summarizes some of the current challenges and proposes priorities for future research and policy development. The nutrition agenda is more complex than it was 100 years ago. The world now faces undernutrition side-by-side with dietary excess and related chronic diseases. The complexity of modern nutrition necessitates using a systems approach to identifying effective policies and programs. There is a renewed interest in addressing the new nutrition agenda.     

Flow-through microvial facilitating interface of capillary isoelectric focusing and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry (CE-MS) interface utilizing a flow-through microvial is used to ensure the electric continuity and supply the catholyte and mobilizer solutions during the capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) and mobilization process. The flow-through microvial provides a stable chemical environment and helps to improve the ionization efficiency without significantly diluting the analyte. The CE-MS interface facilitates the transfer of the mobilized cIEF effluent to the site of electrospray ionization, and the gaseous ions can be detected directly by a mass spectrometer. It also allows for complete focusing and mobilization processes to be performed automatically in programmed sequences with commercial CE systems. Two different strategies, using either a part of the capillary or the flow-through microvial of the CE-MS interface as the catholyte reservoir for bare fused silica capillaries or neutral coated capillaries, respectively, were developed for automated cIEF-electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS. Reasonable separation efficiency was achieved using proper concentration of carrier ampholytes and suitable strategies of electroosmotic/electrophoretic mobilization.