Dynamic light scattering studies of atactic and syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate)s in dilute theta solution

The present article considers the coil‐to‐globule transition behavior of atactic and syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylates), (PMMA) in their theta solvent, n‐butyl chloride (nBuCl). Changes in Rh in these polymers with temperature in dilute theta solutions were investigated by dynamic light scattering. The hydrodynamic size of atactic PMMA (a‐PMMA‐1) in nBuCl (M_w: 2.55 × 10⁶ g/mol) decreases to 61% of that in the unperturbed state at 13.0°C. Atactic PMMA (a‐PMMA‐2) with higher molecular weight (M_w: 3.3 × 10⁶ g/mol) shows higher contraction in the same theta solvent (α_η = R_h(T)/R_h (θ) = 0.44) at a lower temperature, 7.25°C. Although syndiotactic PMMA (s‐PMMA) has lower molecular weight than that of atactic samples (M_w: 1.2 × 10⁶), a comparable chain collapse was observed (α_η = 0.63) at 9.0°C. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 2253–2260, 1999     

A Simple and Low-Cost Electrochemical Immunosensor for Ultrasensitive Determination of Calreticulin Biomarker in Human Serum

An early on time detection of breast cancer significantly affects the treatment process and outcome. Herein, a new label-free impedimetric biosensor is developed to determine the lowest change in the level of calreticulin (CALR), which is a new biomarker of breast carcinoma. The proposed immunosensor is fabricated by using reduced graphene oxide/amino substituted polypyrrole polymer (rGO-PPyNH₂) nanocomposite modified disposable electrode. The anti-CALR antibodies are first attached on the rGO-PPyNH₂ nanocomposite coated electrode through glutaraldehyde crosslinking; the CALR antigens are then immobilized with the addition of CALR antigens to form an immunocomplex on the sensing surface. This immunocomplex induces considerably larger interfacial electron transport resistance (R_ct). The variation in the R_ct has a linear relationship with CALR level in the detection range of 0.025 to 75 pg mL⁻¹, with a detection limit of 10.4 fg mL⁻¹. The suggested biosensor shows high selectivity to CALR, good storage stability (at least 5 weeks) and suitable reproducibility results as shown in quality control chart. The designed immunosensor is utilized to analyze CALR levels in human sera with satisfying results. This immunosensor provides a novel way for the clinical determination of CALR and other cancer biological markers.     

Kinetic adsorption of drugs using carbon nanofibers in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids

Two different classes of drugs were selected to test the adsorption capacity of carbon nanofibers as a greener new generation alternative adsorbent in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Kinetics of the promethazine and trimethoprim adsorption were analyzed using Lagergren first order and Pseudo second order models. Intraparticle diffusion graphs were also plotted to discuss the adsorption mechanism. Kinetic data showed the significance of boundary layer effect for both of the drugs and the presence of intraparticle diffusion as the other rate controlling step for the promethazine adsorption. Giles isotherms showed the high affinity of drug molecules to the adsorbent. Maximum adsorption capacity of drugs was calculated using Langmuir model as 18.35 and 41.15 mg/g for trimethoprim and 95.24 and 80.65 mg/g for promethazine in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), respectively. Trimethoprim adsorption was under favor of hydrophobic interaction and π-π dispersion interactions while promethazine adsorption was through cation exchange where the electrostatic attraction is an important force with the contribution of dispersion interactions.     

Interval transportation problem: feasibility,optimality and the worst optimal value

Central European Journal of Operations Research - We consider the model of a transportation problem with the objective of finding a minimum-cost transportation plan for shipping a given...