Improved Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Alkoxylated Inulin

Inulin, a polydisperse reserve polysaccharide extracted from chicory, has been modified by alkoxylation in a water-free medium using a basic catalyst. The reaction of inulin with ethylene oxide, as well as propylene oxide, was performed in an organic solvent, N-methylpyrrolidinone, with triethylamine as basic catalyst in almost quantitative yields. The reaction resulted in a range of products with very specific properties such as highly increased water solubility, moderate surface activities and very high cloud points in electrolyte media.     

Measurements of frying fat deterioration: A brief review

Many factors affect the rate of deterioration of a fat used for deep fat frying. Because of the complexity of the problem, there is no single procedure which will yield reliable results in all situations. Determination of total polar materials in a frying fat provides the most reliable measure of the extent of deterioration in most cases. For monitoring a frying operation in which there is no dilution of the frying fat by the fat in the food being fried, the change in the dielectric constant is the simplest of the methods judged reliable. Free fatty acid determinations by titration and peroxide value are not recommended procedures for measuring frying fat deterioration.     

Electron microscopic and optical studies of prism faces of synthetic quartz

Spirals on quartz are very seldom seen. The centre of the spirals and screw ledges are studied in detail using electron and optical microscopic techniques. Unusual profiles of spirals have been found with overhanging kinks on one side of the centre of these spirals. It is suspected that the complicated structures might have been developed after the completion of the growth of the crystals. It is also conjuctured that such structures would arise when growth-inhibiting substances are adsorbed on the crystal faces and result in imperfect crystals.Victawet, a proprietary wetting agent, available from one or more suppliers of electron microscopy materials and accessories.     

Psychiatry and the dangerous sexual offender

A study of Dangerous Sexual Offenders, undertaken for the Canadian Law Reform Commission, reveals that about one-third of DSOs seriously threatened or actually endangered the life of the victim. One-third were moderately assaultive. The remainder, mostly homosexual pedophiles, were offensive but not physically violent. The role of psychiatrists, employed by the Crown in the process of securing an indeterminate sentence, is described. Most of them did not declare their role as "double-agents". Their expert testimony before the Courts also revealed a failure to discriminate between fact and opinion. Individual prejudice was, not infrequently, presented as the wisdom of the psychiatric profession. The life of DSOs in Canadian penitentiaries, is likely to be exceedingly brutal. Four of them have been murdured while in custody. Others have killed themselves or made determined attempts to do so. Since it is obviously unethical for psychiatrists to participate in any procedure which is likely to result in harm or the death of an individual, the author urges the Canadian Psychiatric Association to support the Law Reform Commissions' condemnation of the DSO legislation. As an interim measure psychiatrists should be urged not to collaborate in DSO cases.     

An investigation of the electrochemical reduction of pentachlorophenol with analysis by HPLC

A study has been made of the electrochemical reduction of pentachlorophenol (PCP) on a lead electrode in both water and propylene carbonate. A combination of voltammetric measurements and analysis of reaction products by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have established that the reduction of PCP in propylene carbonate occurs by two different pathways, depending upon the electrode potential. At -1.9V vs SCE, reduction is mediated by adsorbed hydrogen, whereas at -2.3V vs SCE direct reduction of PCP also occurs. A similar approach has established that the reduction of PCP in water follows only one reaction pathway, namely, direct electron transfer from lead to PCP.