The Damping of Balances

The paper gives a survey of the history of damping methods for balances. Representation on Egyptian drawings demonstrate that the person performing the weighing shortened the measuring time by holding the suspension cords and touching the beam. By means of delimiters, the Romans constricted the deflection amplitudes. In the 19th century, the movements of precision balances were damped with a brush. For analytical balances, locking mechanism were developed, often combined with levers lifting the weighing scales and the beam in order to relieve the knife-edges. Half-arresting was used to curtail weighings. Air damping was invented by Arzberger in 1875, and eddy current damping by Marek in 1906. In electronic balances, lag, lead and filter elements and absorptive attenuators are used. For digital balances, the fast-reacting nullification of eddy signals is applied. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Some Recent Advances in the Design and Use of Molecular Balances for the Experimental Quantification of Intramolecular Noncovalent Interactions of π Systems

Herein, various molecular balances used for comparing the strengths of intramolecular noncovalent interactions are reviewed. Our overview indicates that considerable quantitative insight into the strength of noncovalent interactions can be gained through the careful design of molecular balances. Many exciting opportunities certainly exist for the design of further new balances to quantify and dissect the relative strengths of noncovalent interactions as a function of solvation and the importance of the many factors that contribute to overall molecular recognition. However, even simple model molecules can show a multiplicity of intramolecular noncovalent interactions acting in a combined fashion. It is therefore essential to undertake a detailed computational analysis to identify all possible noncovalent interactions present in a selected molecular balance prior to a quantitative experimental assessment of the strength of a particular noncovalent interaction. It is also argued that the words “torsion” and “molecular balance” seem to have become inextricably linked and, in consequence, even top pan and seesaw balances have been mistakenly referred to in these terms.     

Modern vacuumbalances

Different types of vacuum balances have been developed corresponding to the various applications [ 1 ]:

Special beam balances are applied for metrology and thermogravimetry and for the investigation of physical and chemical reactions of solid samples with the gas phase. Today, with all these balances the beam deflection is observed by an inductive or photoelectric sensor and electromagnetically restored.

In corrosive atmospheres or under very clean conditions e.g. for investigations in ultrahigh vacuum the magnetic suspension balance should be favoured. The sample tube is separated from the balance and can be hermetically sealed from the environment. It contains only the pan with the sample connected to a permanent magnet, suspended at a stable position in the field of a controlled electromagnet. The carrying balance is electrodynamically compensated.

The spring balance is an inexpensive alternative, if a minor relative resolution can be accepted. The simple design utilizing only few materials enables measurements under very clean conditions. A quartz spring allows for investigations in corrosive atmosphere. The extension of the spring is observed optically or by means of an inductive sensor.

Quartz resonators are used to control vacuum metallizing and other evaporating and sputtering processes. Resonator systems of any type need no gravitational field and can be applied, therefore, in space technology. The mass determination is restricted to samples which are strongly connected to the surface of the sensor.

     

The Science of Art

Global heat balances with biomass production for aerobic and anaerobic biodigestion of organic matter are proposed. These balances nicely illustrate the thermodynamic differences between these two kinds of biodigestion, and illustrate, in a simple way, a landfills potential for recycling energy originally contained in waste.     

Direct Experimental Evidence for Halogen–Aryl π Interactions in Solution from Molecular Torsion Balances

We dissected halogen–aryl π interactions experimentally using a bicyclic N-arylimide based molecular torsion balances system, which is based on the influence of the non-bonded interaction on the equilibria between folded and unfolded states. Through comparison of balances modulated by higher halogens with fluorine balances, we determined the magnitude of the halogen–aryl π interactions in our unimolecular systems to be larger than −5.0 kJ mol⁻¹, which is comparable with the magnitude estimated in the biomolecular systems. Our study provides direct experimental evidence of halogen–aryl π interactions in solution, which until now have only been revealed in the solid state and evaluated theoretically by quantum-mechanical calculations.     

Position and intensity of system (eigen) peaks in capillary zone electrophoresis

The intensity of system (or eigen) peaks encountered in capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) can be predicted by considering mass balances for each of the analyte constituents and each of the constituents in the background electrolyte (BGE). As a result of coherence, in each zone the proportions in which the constituent concentrations vary are fixed; they are determined by the composition of the BGE and the nature of the analyte constituent (if present) and described as eigenvectors of a transport matrix. Considering the effect of an injection, the mass balances for all constituents can be satisfied only via the intensity of each zone. This leads to an n-equations, n-unknowns problem, with the intensities as the unknowns and the mass balances as equations.The latter can be easily solved to obtain the intensities of the zones, of analytes as well as of system peaks. In this work the approach has been applied to CZE systems with two co-ions in the BGE, and experimental results have been compared to the predictions obtained from the model. Agreement was seen to be reasonable, but the quantitative comparison often failed, probably due to experimental difficulties.     

A simulation model for stem cells differentiation into specialized cells of non-connective tissues

A novel mathematical model to simulate stem cells differentiation into specialized cells of non-connective tissues is proposed. The model is based upon material balances for growth factors coupled with a mass-structured population balance describing cell growth, proliferation and differentiation. The proposed model is written in a general form and it may be used to simulate a generic cell differentiation pathway during in vitro cultivation when specific growth factors are used. Literature experimental data concerning the differentiation of central nervous stem cells into astrocytes are successfully compared with model results, thus demonstrating the validity of the proposed model as well as its predictive capability. Finally, sensitivity analysis of model parameters is also performed in order to clarify what mechanisms most strongly influence differentiation and cell types distribution.     

Hybrid neural modeling of bioprocesses using functional link networks

The objective of this work was to develop a model for an extractive ethanol fermentation in a simple and rapid way. This model must be sufficiently reliable to be used for posterior optimization and control studies. A hybrid neural model was developed, combining mass and energy balances with neural networks, which describe the process kinetics. To determine the best model, two structures of neural networks were compared: the functional link networks and the feedforward neural networks. The two structures are shown to describe well the process kinetics, and the advantages of using the functional link networks are discussed.     

Trichloroacetic Acid Removal by a Reductive Spherical Cellulose Adsorbent

A novel spherical cellulose adsorbent with amide and sulphinate groups was used for a first reduction of trichloroacetic acid(TCAA) and a subsequent adsorption of generated species, haloacetic acids. The removal mechanism involved TCAA reduction by sulphinate groups and the adsorption of the haloacetic acids through electrostatic interaction with amide group. Investigation of product formation and subsequent disappearance reveals that the reduction reactions proceed via sequential hydrogenolysis, and transform to acetate ultimately. Adsorption of haloacetic acids was ascertained by low chloride mass balances(89.3%) and carbon mass balances(75.1%) in solution. The pseudo-first-order rate constant for TCAA degradation was (0.93±0.12) h^-1. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of pH value on the reduction and adsorption process. The results show that the reduction of TCAA by sulphinate groups requires higher pH values while the electrostatic attraction of haloacetic acids by amino group is favorable in more acidic media.     

Single aerosol particle studies

This paper surveys the research carried out on single aerosol particles in the micron and submicron size range with emphasis on the work performed by the authors. The principles and design of the electrodynamic and electrostatic balances are reviewed, and experimental data for evaporating droplets in a stagnant gas at various total pressures and various temperature are compared with theoretical results for Knudsen aerosol evaporation and are used to determine Lennard-Jones interaction parameters, diffusivities and vapor pressures for relatively nonvolatile compounds. The use of the electrodynamic balance or “picoblance” developed to study aerosol particles of the order of a piogram is illustrated for diffusion-controlled droplet evaporation measurements, and new data and an analysis for binary dorplet evaporation are presented.     

Gravimetric characterisation of the surface properties of a porous drug carrier

The gas adsorption method is the most common means to characterise the topology of solid surfaces with regard to its use as an adsorbent. Adsorption isotherms are determined advanta-geously using a vacuum microbalance: Thermogravimetric techniques allow the observation of sample degassing and its optimization. The dry mass is determined in situ, the mass of gas adsorbed is measured directly and different gases can be used without calibration. From the isotherm the pore size distributions, specific surface area, fractal dimension and density can be derived. Commercially available gravimetric sorption apparata and vacuum balances as well as software for data evaluation are reviewed in tables. The sorption analysis of an aluminum oxide is presented. The porous material was used as a matrix for a slow drug release.     

Two-step upflow anaerobic sludge bed system for sewage treatment under subtropical conditions with posttreatment in waste stabilization ponds

A pilot-scale sewage treatment system consisting of two upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors followed by five waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) in series was studied under subtropical conditions. The first UASB reactor started up in only 1 mo (stable operation, high chemical oxygen demand [COD] removal efficiency, low volatile fatty acids concentration in the effluent, alkalinity ratio above 0.7, biogas production above 0.1 Nm3/kg of CODremoved). Removal efficiencies up to 90% were obtained in the anaerobic steps at a hydraulic retention time of 6 + 4 h (80% removal in the first step). Fecal coliform removal in the whole system was 99.9999% (99.94% in anaerobic steps and 99.98% in WSPs). COD balances over UASB reactors are provided. A minimum set of data necessary to build COD balances is proposed. Intermittent sludge washout was detected in the reactors with the COD balances. Sludge washout from single-step UASB reactors should be monitored and minimized in order to ensure constant compliance with discharge standards, especially when no posttreatment is provided. The system combined high COD and fecal coliform removal efficiency with an extremely low effluent concentration, complying with discharge standards, and making it an attractive option for sewage treatment in subtropical regions.     

Pluronics‐Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles: Investigation of the Structure of the Polymer–Particle Hybrid

Hybrid gold–polymer nanoparticles are obtained by self‐assembly of amphiphilic copolymers (Pluronics) in solutions containing preformed gold nanoparticles (diameter ca. 12 nm). Dynamic light scattering, TEM, cryo‐TEM, and small‐angle neutron scattering experiments with contrast variation are used to characterize the structure of the gold–polymer particles. Five Pluronics (F127, F68, F88, F108, P84) with different molecular weights and hydrophilic/hydrophobic balances are investigated. Gold nanoparticles are individually embedded within globules of polymer, even under conditions for which Pluronics micelles do not form in solution. The hybrid particles are several tens of nanometers in size (larger than micelles of the corresponding Pluronics), and the size can be tuned by changing the temperature.     

Substituent effects on the aromatic edge-to-face interaction

Substituent effects on the folding equilibrium of molecular torsion balances are rationalised on the basis of changes in the electrostatic interactions, the exchange repulsion, and the dispersive contributions to the interaction free enthalpy.     

Manipulating exciton dynamics of thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials for tuning two-photon nanotheranostics

Rational manipulation of energy utilization from excited-state radiation of theranostic agents with a donor–acceptor structure is relatively unexplored. Herein, we present an effective strategy to tune the exciton dynamics of radiative excited state decay for augmenting two-photon nanotheranostics. As a proof of concept, two thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules with different electron-donating segments are engineered, which possess donor–acceptor structures and strong emissions in the deep-red region with aggregation-induced emission characteristics. Molecular simulations demonstrate that change of the electron-donating sections could effectively regulate the singlet–triplet energy gap and oscillator strength, which promises efficient energy flow. A two-photon laser with great permeability is used to excite TADF NPs to perform as theranostic agents with singlet oxygen generation and fluorescence imaging. These unique performances enable the proposed TADF emitters to exhibit tailored balances between two-photon singlet oxygen generation and fluorescence emission. This result demonstrates that TADF emitters can be rationally designed as superior candidates for nanotheranostic agents by the custom controlling exciton dynamics.

Exciton dynamics can be manipulated rationally in the design of TADF materials for nanotheranostics. Regulating the ΔE_ST and f promises efficient energy flow for tailoring balances between singlet oxygen generation and fluorescence emission.     

Estimation of the filament temperature of an incandescent lamp from an energy balance in steady-state conditions

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - The detailed balances of the different energy contributions in a commercial electric light bulb are presented. Previous studies on the physics of...     

Estimation of the uncertainty of mass measurements from in-house calibrated analytical balances

The uncertainty evaluation of mass measurements when using “in-house” calibrated analytical balances is revisited according to the Guide to the expression of Uncertainty Measurement (GUM). The calibration of analytical balances is discussed according to the guidelines of several bodies such as ASTM, UKAS and DKD/PTB. The remainder components of uncertainty can be estimated from the balance data sheet specifications.     

QSAR modeling based on the bias/variance compromise: a harmonious

Modeling quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) is considered with an emphasis on prediction. An abundance of methods are available to develop such models. Using a harmonious approach that balances the bias and variance of predictions, the best calibration models are identified relative to the bias and variance criteria used. Criteria utilized to determine the adequacy of models are the root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) and validation (RMSEV), respective R2 values, and the norm of the regression vector. QSAR data from the literature are used to demonstrate concepts. For these data sets and criteria used, it is suggested that models obtained by ridge regression (RR) are more harmonious and parsimonious than models obtained by partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) when the data is mean-centered. The most harmonious RR models have the best bias/variance tradeoff, reflected by the smallest RMSEC, RMSEV, and regression vector norms and the largest calibration and validation R2 values. The most parsimonious RR models have the smallest effective rank.     

The assessment of electronic balances for accuracy of mass measurements in the analytical laboratory

The accuracy of mass measurements when using electronic balances is considered within the frame of analytical assays in terms of the uncertainty budget according to the internal quality control routine, the calibration process, the balance specifications, and the weighing scenarios. Buoyancy corrections for both conventional and true mass are fully discussed. The procedure is illustrated with a worked example.