Directed inorganic modification of bi-component polymer fibers by selective vapor reaction and atomic layer deposition

Nanocomposite organic/inorganic materials with spatially-controlled composition can be formed using vapor-phase atomic layer deposition (ALD) on bi-component polymer fibers. The ALD process promotes selective precursor infusion into the inner core of a core/shell polymer fiber, yielding nanoparticles encapsulated within the core. Likewise, choosing alternate precursors or reaction conditions yield particles or films on the outer polymer shell. In-situ infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy show that infusion yields selective dispersion of aluminum oxide in different polymer regions, forming fine nanoparticle dispersions or films. Selective inclusion of metal oxide materials during atomic layer deposition on polymers can create unique organic/inorganic composite structures for many advanced uses.     

More about Wundt's doctorate students.

Reports that 3 doctoral students of W. Wundt are still active. Anna Berliner (PhD, 1914) was the only woman to receive her PhD from Wundt. Her reminiscences present a human side of Wundt. J. M. MacEachran currently lives in Canada, and Friedrich Sander (PhD, 1913) currently resides in Germany. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Formation of lymph chylomicron phosphatidylcholines in the rat during the absorption of safflower oil or triolein

The chylomicron phosphatidylcholines from rats fed safflower oil or triolein were isolated and separated into four different fractions according to the degree of unsaturation. Fraction 1, which was rich in palmitic, stearic and oleic acid, was a minor fraction (7.6–11.6 mole%) during the absorption of safflower oil, but was quantitatively important (27–51 mole%) after triolein feeding when significant amounts of dioleoylphosphatidylcholine were present. Fraction 2, which was a major fraction in all the experiments, contained linoleic acid in combination with a saturated or monounsaturated fatty acid. The third fraction contained mainly linoleic acid and was present only after safflower oil feeding. This indicates that dilinoleoyl-phosphatidylcholine is formed in the intestine after ingestion of linoleic acid. Fraction 4, which was rich in arachidonic acid and saturated fatty acids, accounted for 15–20 mole% of the chylomicron phosphatidylcholines with both kinds of fat meals. Incorporation of³H-choline indicated that the dilinoleoyl- and dioleoyl-phosphatidylcholines were formed by synthesis de novo while the majority of the rem aining phosphatidylcholines originated partly from acylated biliary lysolecithins and partly from the existing pool of mucosal phospholipids not formed during active fat absorption.     

Solvent extraction of meat offal

Summary Data are presented to show the effect of the various operating variables on the extraction of meat and bone scrap both in the laboratory and in a pilot plant model of the Iowa State College extractor. From the data presented it has been concluded that the extraction takes place mainly by a washing process with slight diffusion. A possible correlation is suggested for comparing laboratory and pilot plant data. formerly graduate assistant, Iowa Engineering Experiment Station, Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa     

Structure,molecular orientation,and resultant mechanical properties in core/ sheath poly(lactic acid)/polypropylene composites

We study the coaxial spinning of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with polypropylene (PP) in a core/sheath configuration. PP_core/PLA_sheath and PLA_core/PP_sheath fibers maintain the high breaking strength that PP and PLA exhibit individually, showing marked improvement in strength over previous reports of PP/PLA blend fibers. Crystalline morphologies are greatly affected by the location within the fiber (i.e., core, sheath, or spun individually), and hence, co-spinning provides a route to tailor the morphology and fiber diameter beyond that available with single component fibers. A new approach to estimate molecular orientation of core sheath fibers based on the tensile response of the fiber is developed, and indicates that co-spinning PP with PLA results in a synergistic effect with increases in the molecular orientation above that which is possible with spinning either PP or PLA individually.     

A generic operations system interface to support the nextgeneration of digital loop carrier systems

The application of a generic interface between operations systems and microprocessor controlled network elements (OS/NE) to both universal and integrated DLC (digital loop carrier) systems is discussed. The high-level components of a DLC system are defined, and a generic interface between operations systems and their central office terminal of a microprocessor-controlled DLC system is described. The adaptation of the generic operations-systems interface to the DLC system for use with a generic interface between the local switching system and the remote digital terminal of an integrated DLC system is explored. Some issues associated with integrating a DLC system into a switching system are presented     

Processing High-Grade Concentrates from Challenging Low-Grade Iron Ore Deposits

On an average global basis, iron ores tend to decrease in Fe grade over time. With the exception for some deposits that are logistically challenged, iron ore resources in more accessible areas may often have processing issues, especially if high-grade concentrates are desired. This paper addresses some of these with examples on how technological developments enhanced the feasibility to exploit such ores. The emphasis is on comminution, magnetic separation and flotation.     

Lecithin translational diffusion studied by pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance

The translational diffusion coefficient of egg yolk and dilauroyl lecithin in optically isotropic phases containing sodium cholate has been measured using the pulsed NMR magnetic field gradient method. After a correction for geometrical factors the measured diffusion coefficient is found to agree well with previous determinations in phospholipid systems. The experimental data imply that the cubic mesophase of the lecithin-sodium cholate-water system contains continuous lipid aggregates. A possible model of the arrangement of the different amphiphile molecules in the cubic phase is discussed.     

The accessory gene regulator (agr) controls Staphylococcus aureus virulence in a murine arthritis model

We have studied the role of the accessory gene regulator (agr) of Staphylococcus aureus as a virulence determinant in the pathogenesis of septic arthritis. At least 15 genes coding for potential virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus are regulated by a putative multicomponent signal transduction system encoded by the agr/hld locus. agr and hld mutants show a decreased synthesis of extracellular toxins and enzymes, such as alpha-, beta-, and delta-hemolysin, leucocidin, lipase, hyaluronate lyase, and proteases, and at the same time an increased synthesis of coagulase and protein A as compared with the wild-type counterpart. We have used a recently described murine model of S. aureus-induced arthritis to study the virulence of S. aureus 8325-4 and two agr/hld mutants derived from it. Sixty percent of the mice injected with the wild-type strain developed arthritis, whereas agrA and hld mutants displayed joint involvement in only 10 and 30%, respectively. In addition, 40% of the mice inoculated with the wild-type strain displayed an erosive arthropathy; such changes were not detectable at all in mice inoculated with the agrA mutant. Serum levels of interleukin-6, a potent B-cell differentiation factor, were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the mice inoculated with the wild-type strain than in those inoculated with the agrA mutant counterpart. Overall, our results suggest that the agr system of S. aureus is an important virulence determinant in the induction and progression of septic arthritis in mice.