A Sensitive and Precise Method for Estimation of Free Thyroxine in Serum as a Thyroid Function Test Using L-Thyroxine-125I

A method for free thyroxine estimation in serum, using labelled thyroxine and Sephadex G-25 has been developed.

The experiment has been carried out by incubating labelled thyroxine with serum samples and separating the free thyroxine from bound protein in the serum by gel filtration after complete equilibrium between exogenous and endogenous thyroxine. Factors affecting the free thyroxine ratio such as volume of serum used, concentration of labelled thyroxine, time and temperature of incubation were studied and the optimum conditions for the test were selected.

The sensitivity of the technique was determined by carrying out twelve estimations of the free thyroxine ratio on samples of pooled normal serum, pooled hypothyroid serum, and pooled hyperthyroid semm. In addition free thyroxine ratio leas determined for 23 hypothyroidisms, 99 euthyroid patients, 40 untreated thyrotoxicosis and 50 normal serum samples. A good correlation with the thyroid status of the patients (as determined) clinically and with radioiodine techniques was observed.     

Incorporation of Radioiodine in Thyroid Hormones for the Determination of T3/T4 Ratio Using Paper Chromatography

A precise and accurate method is being developed for the determination of T₃/T₄ ratio. This method depends on using serum of different thyroid cases for the assesment of T₃/T₄ ratio. It has been found that the best temperature of storage is 0.0 °C to 4 °C before extracting the iodinated tyrosines and thyronines.

Iodination with ¹²⁵I was done according to our previous technique to render the separated thyronine radioactive. Scanning method helped for the determination of T₃/T₄ ratio. The results were confirmed by sensitivity and recovery test and statistically analyzed. 100 cases were investigated comprising hypo-, eu-, and hyperthyroid cases.     

Determination of the Complexing Constants by the Aid of 13C Dipole-Dipole Relaxation Time Measurements. Part. III. Complexing of 15-Crown-5 and 18-Crown-6 with Na+,K+ and Ca2+ in DHOX

The association constants, K_a of KI, Nal and CaCl₂ complexing with 1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxacyclopentadecane and 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacycloocta-decane in DHO were determined by the aid of ¹³C dipole-dipole relaxation time measurements.

The mole fraction of the complexed ligand, P_C were obtained by the use of the equation of 1/T^obs ₁ - 1/T₁₀ = P_C (1/T^O ₁ - 1/T₁₀) where the T₁₀ and T^o ₁ are the relaxation times of free and complexed macrocyclic ethers respectively.

K_a values obtained from the above given equation depending on the cation concentration, [A⁺ _O] typically reflected the relation between the cationic radius and cyclic ether ring size.     

A New Type of Charge-Density-Wave Pinning in Orthorhombic TaS3 Crystals with Quenching Defects

Diminishing in the concentration of quenching defects during thermocycling of orthorhombic TaS₃ samples in the temperature range below the Peierls transition temperature T < T_P is observed. It makes it possible to study the character of pinning of the charge density wave by these defects. A number of fundamental differences from pinning by ordinary local pinning centers—impurities and point defects—have been found. We conclude that quenching defects are extended (non-local) objects (presumably, dislocations) that can diffuse from the crystal during low-temperature thermocycling due to their strong interaction with the charge density wave, which is intrinsic for Peierls conductors. The presence of these defects leads to a previously unknown non-local type of the charge-density-wave pinning that acts on T_P and the threshold field for the onset of charge-density-wave sliding, E_T, differently in comparison with the local pinning centers.

     

Actual transient photocurrents from a one-donor (1D) photoconductor

Transient responses to be expected from a single-level model, after a light is switched on and then off, are analysed through computer simulations of the complete differential equations of the model. A strong dissymmetry arises between growth and decay transients for free electrons and free holes. Transients for trapped electrons display decreasing or increasing modes. Time constants for growth for free and trapped electrons and free holes vary over many decades of time as functions of both temperature, T, and light intensity, G. A renewed insight is cast into the actual internal processes of charge exchanges between free and localized levels, and a direct quantitative study is made of photoconductivity gain. Gain is shown to display either extremely large values at temperatures far below a so-called temperature T ₀, or a strong loss of sensitivity for temperatures ranging in an extended vicinity of T ₀, including T?>?T ₀.     

Photoconductivity derived from an exact modelling of the uncompensated one-donor model. II—computer simulation of the steady-state exact model

Abstract

Stationary photoconductivity is treated with the model of Part I, free from any of the usual simplifying approximations of the related equations. This simulation leads to set forth a new concept of characteristic temperature T ₀, at which the donor population is independent of the illumination intensity G. T ₀ separates two intervals of temperature over which G either partially empties (T< T ₀) or fills (T > T ₀) the level. Also T ₀ has, in particular, an influence on the ratio n/p of free electrons and holes. The effective isothermal behaviour of n(G) shows that n(G) ∞ G ^1/2 on the lower side of the G range, and n(G) ∞ G at higher G. Variations of n(T) at constant G also display original, T ₀ dependent, characteristics. Finally, a qualitative comparison is made of the 1D model with the two 1D_ai approximate models described in I, in order to distinguish their most prominent behaviour differences.     

NMR Solvent Spin‐Lattice Relaxation Rate in Colostrum

Abstract

In this study, by using a FT‐NMR spectrometer operating at 60 MHz for proton, the solvent spin‐lattice relaxation times (T ₁) in colostrum were measured versus the days of lactation, whereas the T ₁ values in dehydrated colostrum were determined versus concentration of its hydrating solid. Data show that the spin‐lattice relaxation rate (1/T ₁ or R ₁) in colostrum is linearly dependent upon the inverse of time (1/days), and the R ₁ in dehydrated colostrum increases linearly with increasing concentration of its hydrating solid content (C). From data, the total paramagnetic contribution of ions in colostrum to the R ₁ was found to be negligible. The dehydrated colostrum data indicates that the R ₁ in colostrum is linearly dependent upon its hydrating solid content. Therefore, the R ₁ changes in colostrum were analyzed in terms of the relaxivities (increase in relaxation rate per unit concentration of solid) and the concentrations of milk constituents. Such an analysis provides a relation similar to that of the R ₁ in dehydrated colostrum. The current data imply that the relaxation changes in colostrum by days may be explained through changes in the concentrations of milk constituents. Also, the data suggest that the relaxation mechanism in colostrum can be explained in terms of fast chemical exchange of protons between free water and water bound to milk constituents.     

Pressure dependence of high-Tc superconductors

Abstract

We recently developed a method to derive the charge carrier concentration 6 (holes per planar copper atom) under pressure from the measured T_c and H_c2. The different behaviour of YBa₂Cu₄O₈, CaLaBaCu₃)₇ and other compounds can be understood from the difference in ?δ/?p using a model where T_c is quadratically dependent upon δ and where δ is linearly dependent upon pressure, as observed experimentally.     

MRI rotating frame relaxation measurements for articular cartilage assessment

In the present work we introduced two MRI rotating frame relaxation methods, namely adiabatic T_1ρ and Relaxation Along a Fictitious Field (RAFF), along with an inversion-prepared Magnetization Transfer (MT) protocol for assessment of articular cartilage. Given the inherent sensitivity of rotating frame relaxation methods to slow molecular motions that are relevant in cartilage, we hypothesized that adiabatic T_1ρ and RAFF would have higher sensitivity to articular cartilage degradation as compared to laboratory frame T₂ and MT. To test this hypothesis, a proteoglycan depletion model was used. Relaxation time measurements were performed at 0 and 48 h in 10 bovine patellar specimens, 5 of which were treated with trypsin and 5 untreated controls were stored under identical conditions in isotonic saline for 48 h. Relaxation times measured at 48 h were longer than those measured at 0 h in both groups. The changes in T₂ and MT relaxation times after 48 h were approximately 3 times larger in the trypsin treated specimens as compared to the untreated group, whereas increases of adiabatic T_1ρ and RAFF were 4 to 5 fold larger. Overall, these findings demonstrate a higher sensitivity of adiabatic T_1ρ and RAFF to the trypsin-induced changes in bovine patellar cartilage as compared to the commonly used T₂ and MT. Since adiabatic T_1ρ and RAFF are advantageous for human applications as compared to standard continuous-wave T_1ρ methods, adiabatic T_1ρ and RAFF are promising tools for assessing cartilage degradation in clinical settings.     

Scattering studies from polymer blends

An ultraquenching technique was used to prepare thin (ca. 1000 Å) amorphous films of polypivalolactone and poly(4-methyl-pentene-1). These films were characterized by electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Other ultraquenched films of these polymers were crystallized by annealing for various times in the vicinity of their glass transition temperatures. Electron microscopy and electron diffraction were used to follow the reorganization of their structures.

Evidence for a double T_g in polypivalolactone (PPVL) was found, with crystallization of annealed, ultraquenched films occurring just above T_g (L) = 270°K. A T_g (U) = 340°K was noted. When the disordered glass was annealed above T_g (L), polypivalolactone crystallized into the a crystal form, which is composed of antiparallel chain segments, suggesting a chain-folded crystallization mechanism.

Poly(4-methyl-pentene-1) (P4MP1) gave evidence for T_g (L) = 220°K and T_g (U) = 325°K by dynamic mechanical analysis. However, morphology and electron diffraction showed that significant crystallization of ultraquenched polymer did not occur until T_g (U) was reached. X-ray data also supported this conclusion, which is explained by the lower density of the crystal phase of P4MP1 (compared to amorphous material) below 320°K. Long-term annealing of films at T_g (U) resulted in the formation of single-crystal structures, again indicative of a mechanism of chain-folded crystallization from the glass.     

Electron paramagnetic relaxation in aqueous solutions of manganese (II) ions

The processes of the electron paramagnetic relaxation, molecular motions and structural changes in aqueous solutions of manganese nitrate have been investigated by direct measurement of spin-lattice (T ₁) and spin-spin (T ₂) relaxation times for a wide range of concentrations, temperatures and viscosities. T ₁ and T ₂ were measured by a non-resonance absorption method.

It was discovered that some structural regions exist at the different concentrations of Mn(II) ions in solution. So, the structure of highly concentrated solutions may be considered as one of the corresponding crystallohydrate. The structural microinhomogeneities were observed also in the intermediate concentration range at definite temperatures. It is shown that the relaxation mechanism proposed by Bloembergen and Morgan is not effective in the concentration range studied by us.

The analysis of relaxation times and E.P.R. spectra has shown the formation of ‘liquid microphases’ at the freezing point of the solution. Such microphases can exist at temperatures a few tenths of a degree below the solvent freezing point, and its composition considerably differs from the initial solution.

The correlation times for intramolecular and intermolecular electron relaxation mechanisms are evaluated and their nature is discussed.     

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF NATURAL-CONVECTION HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER IN AN ANNULAR ENCLOSURE WITH A COLD INNER CYLINDER

An experimental study of natural-convection heat and mass transfer flow of a CuS0₄ + H₂SO₄ + H₂O solution in a horizontal cylindrical annulus is performed using an electrochemical system that enables both opposing or cooperating temperature and concentration gradients to be imposed. The flows have double-diffusive characteristics because of the large difference between the thermal and solutal diffusion rates. It is found that in both cases the interaction between the temperature and concentration fields causes a fingering and multilayer flow structure in the core region.

The dimensionless mass transfer rate Sh increases as Gr_T increased for both the cooperating cases and the opposing cases in present experimental ranges.     

A Palladium‐Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheet with High Peroxidase‐Like Activity: Preparation,Characterization, and Application in Glucose Detection

Herein, a novel palladium‐doped graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet (g‐C₃N₄‐PdNPs) is reported. The prepared g‐C₃N₄‐PdNPs has a 6.7 and 14.0 times higher peroxidase‐like activity in comparison with pure Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C₃N₄) nanosheets respectively, and can be stably stored for 3 months. The high peroxidase‐like activity make g‐C₃N₄‐PdNPs effectively catalyze H₂O₂‐mediation oxidization of 3,3,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine to generate a color change from colorless to blue under lower concentration level and shorter time. The g‐C₃N₄‐PdNPs can be used as peroxidase mimetic to develop sensitive and specific colorimetric method for the rapid detection of glucose in the serum, and to fabricate a simple and cheap portable test kit for instrument‐free visual detection of glucose in serum. The portable test kit possesses obvious advantages such as low‐cost, short detection time, tiny sample consumption, excellent specificity, and higher visual sensitivity. The visual detection limit of portable test kit is lower than the glucose concentration in the serum of a diabetic. Using portable test kit, the glucose in serum can be visually detected by bare eye observation within 30 min with only 30 µL serum consumption. The success of this study provided a potential approach for low‐cost and instrument‐free “see” diabetes in clinical early diagnosis.     

Study on the Molecular Mobility in the Polyamide/SrFeO Composites by In Situ Infrared Spectroscopy

Polyamide 6(PA6) and its composite with strontium ferrite (SrFeO) magnetic powders at different concentration levels (33%, 80%) are in situ investigated by temperature-dependent Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). It is found that the intensity changes of the “free” (nonhydrogen bonded) N?H stretching vibration as a function of temperature can be used to determine the glass transition (T _g) and melting temperature (T _m); whereas the hydrogen-bonded N?H stretching vibration is only sensitive to T _m. Our results reveal that high SrFeO contents increase the T _g and T _m of PA6. These observations suggest that the molecular chains of PA6 are confined with increasing content of SrFeO.     

Electron Energy Loss Under Scattering by Complex Organic Compound Vapors

Abstract

Low-energy electron scattering by anthracene and 1, 4-di 2-(5-phenyloxazolyl) -benzene (POPOP) vapors at low pressures is studied. The primary electron beam energy E_O was varied between 10 and 60 eV. The scattering angle was θ = 90°. It has been found that in the electron-energy-loss spectra, bands with maxima of 3·7 and 5·41 eV for anthracene, 4.02 and 7 eV for POPOP correspond to the S_O → S₁ and S_o → S₂ transitions. Low intensity electron-energy loss due to T₂ -states excitation has been observed in the region of 2·15 eV for anthracene and 2·54 eV for POPOP. From comparison with optical absorption spectra and analysis of spectra structure changes at different E_O the nature of other bands has been determined. From the obtained results it was concluded that the probability of T₁ -state excitation is low. It is shown that the main mechanism of populating the T₁ -state by electric methods of vapor pumping is the process of intersystem crossing.

The development of free complex molecule spectroscopy under electric excitation is hindered by the lack of systematic reliable information about elementary interactions of electrons and other particles with such molecules. When excited in electric discharge or by an electron beam, the complex molecule may be in both a neutral and an ionized state. The investigation of such nonequilibrium gas system presents great difficulties due to a large number of possible elementary processes responsible for excitation, ionization, recombination, dissociation of complex molecules. To develop a kinetic model of such a system, one must know a number of cross sections or rate constants of elastic and inelastic electron collisions with the complex molecule. Unfortunately, such data are practically unavailable.

The aim of the present paper is to obtain information about probabilities of complex molecule singlet and triplet states excitation in a gas phase as a result of collision with low-energy electrons (less than 50 eV).

Most accurate data on effective cross sections of molecule (atom) collisions with electrons are provided by using an electronic spectrometer in which an electron beam with small energy spread (of the order of tens of in electron-energy-loss spectra, S₂-state excitation cross sections have a considerably greater value.     

Fractality in rapidity space and low temperature intermittency in multihadron processes

We study intermittency effects in high energy collisions introducing a fractal measure in rapidity space and formulationg the hadronization sector of the S-matrix within the Ginzburg-Landau approach. The properties of the critical Feynman-Wilson fluid provide us with a boundary condition forT=T _c whereas a low temperatures (T?T _c ) a strong amplification of the intermittency effect is found, corresponding to a local minimum of the effective free energy. The significance of this solution for the interpretation of the intermittency phenomenon for low multiplicities is discussed and a comparison with experimental measurements is attempted, within the two-component model.     

The role of doping and pressure in Hg based high Tc cuprates: A theoretical study

We present a series of first-principles calculations for Hg based high T_c cuprates investigating the effect of pressure, doping, and composition on the electronic and crystalline structure. In particular, the total and site-projected hole concentration in the CuO₂ planes and the density of states are studied in detail. We discuss effects of inhomogeneity introduced by doping and the limitations on creating holes by either doping, pressure, or the number of CuO₂ layers per unit cell. From an analysis and comparison of our results to available experimental data on the pressure dependence of T_c, we conclude that the effective coupling constant to the boson mediating the Cooper pairing is of the order of 1 ruling out the weak coupling approaches.     

Reactions of O‐aryl S‐aryl dithiocarbonates with secondary alicyclic amines in aqueous ethanol. Kinetics and mechanism

The reactions of O‐(4‐methylphenyl) S‐(4‐nitrophenyl), O‐(4‐chlorophenyl) (4‐nitrophenyl), O‐(4‐chlorophenyl) S‐phenyl, and O‐(4‐methylphenyl) S‐phenyl dithiocarbonates ( 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 , respectively) with a series of secondary alicyclic (SA) amines are subjected to a kinetic investigation in 44 wt% ethanol‐water, at 25.0 °C and an ionic strength of 0.2 M. The reactions are followed spectrophotometrically. Under amine excess, pseudo‐first‐order rate coefficients (k_obs) are found. For some of the reactions, plots of k_obs vs. free amine concentration at constant pH are linear but others are nonlinear upwards. This kinetic behavior is in accordance with a stepwise mechanism with two tetrahedral intermediates, one zwitterionic (T^±) and the other anionic (T^?). In some cases, there is a kinetically significant proton transfer from T^± to an amine to yield T^?. Values of the rate micro constants k₁ (amine attack to form T^±), k_?1 (its back step), k₂ (nucleofuge expulsion from T^±), and k₃ (proton transfer from T^± to the amine) are determined for some reactions. The Brønsted plots for k₁ are linear with slopes β₁ = 0.2–0.4 in accordance with the slope values found when T^± formation is the rate‐determining step. The sensitivity of log k₁ and log k_?1 to the pK_a of the amine, leaving and non‐leaving groups are determined by a multiparametric equation. For the reactions of 1 – 4 with 1‐formylpiperazine and those of 3 and 4 with morpholine the k₂ and k₃ steps are rate determining. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the dependence of the critical temperature on pressure in the bisoliton model of high temperature superconductors

Abstract

In the framework of the bisoliton model we have studied the critical temperature T _c, as a function of the pressure P and of the hole concentration δ for the high temperature superconductors YBa₂Cu₃O_x and (La_1-xM_x)₂CuO₄. Our results for δ ln T_c/δ ln V as a function of T _c describe quite satisfactorily the general trend of the experimental data. Furthermore we show that in the bisoliton model the energy gap δ (in units of Jg³/3, where J is the nearest-neighbour exchange integral and g is the nonlinearity parameter) is an universal function of δ/g. An analogous property is valid for T _c By fitting the maximum value of T _c we are able also to reproduce the experimental data for T _c(δ).