Universal covers for Hausdorff limits of noncompact spaces

We prove that if is the Gromov-Hausdorff limit of a sequence of complete manifolds, , with a uniform lower bound on Ricci curvature, then has a universal cover.

     

Non-equilibrium cooling of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) embryonic axes at various water contents

The present study investigated the rate of temperature change within axes of Poncirus trifoliata during cooling and warming by various methods. Cooling rates ranged between 0.17 and 170 degree (C per second, and warming rates of 1.25 and 600 degree C per second were measured when axes were warmed at room temperature or in water at 40 degree C, respectively. Partial drying increased the cooling rate within axes in direct contact with the cryogen, but did not affect the cooling or warming rates within axes enclosed in a double layer of lightweight aluminium foil. The procedures described illustrate the orders of magnitude that separate extremes of the range of cooling or warming rates attained using methods commonly employed in cryopreservation studies. Quantifying these rates allows the relationship between cooling rate, water content and survival of hydrated embryonic axes to be explored.     

Identification of non-idealities in gel electrophoresis

The molecular weight separation, which is the second dimension of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, is studied quantitatively with the goal of improving positional predictability and reproducibility. Mathematical modeling of carrier electrolyte dynamics is used to track the progress of a stacking front as a function of coulombs passed. In all test cases, the front moves more slowly than predicted and shows both curvature and tilt. These systematic deviations from the model are found to be influenced by a variety of factors, including both design and operating features. These factors are largely explained, and suggestions are made for improvements.     

Self-assembled and self-sorted array of chemically active beads for analytical and biochemical screening

A technique for generating a general screening platform consisting of dots of immobilized beads on silicon has been developed via self-sorting and -assembly of different kinds of beads. The dots are defined by a teflon-like film, which due to its hydrophobic characteristics also prevents cross-contamination of liquid from different dots. To enable functionalization of individual dots with different target molecules simultaneously a new way of microcontact printing has been explored where different target solutions are printed in parallel using one stamp. In order to show that this platform can be designed for both biochemical assays and organic chemistry, streptavidin-, amino- and hydroxy-functionalized beads have been self-sorted and -assembled both on separate and common platforms. The self-sorting and -arrangement are based on surface chemistry only, which has not previously been reported. Beads of different sizes and material have successfully been immobilized in line patterns as narrow as 5 mum. Besides silicon, quartz and polyethylene have also been used as substrates.     

Ensemble and Single Particle Laser probe sizing results for gas atomized zinc powders

On-line characterization of powder and droplets during gas atomization of molten metals and alloys offers extensive opportunities for real-time process monitoring and control. The capability to make on-line measurements can significantly reduce tedious and costly powder classification, which, currently, is always carried out subsequent to the atomization process. Two laser-based particle sizing instruments, the EPCS (ensemble instrument) and PCSV (single particle instrument), were used during gas atomization of zinc with a double Coanda nozzle configuration. The laser instruments were positioned in the duct leading from the bottom of the atomization tower to the powder collection cyclone. The effect of gas to metal ratio on particle size was studied by varying the atomization gas pressure from 0.69 MPa to 1.03 MPa. Air was used as the atomizing gas for some of the 0.69 MPa runs, while nitrogen was used for all of the higher-pressure runs. Experimental apparatus and procedures for atomization and on-line powder sizing with the EPCS and PCSV are described. EPCS and PCSV measurements, which were compared with standard sieve analyses, indicate that the ensemble instrument is a good candidate for on-line process monitoring and control.     

Selective reagents for solvent extraction of metals—I. Quinaldic acids

Alkyl- and alkoxy-substituted quinoline-2-carboxylic acids were synthesized and tested for metal extraction. Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ were extracted from aqueous sulphate solutions by reagents containing 8-alkoxy substituents at lower pH values than were Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺. Reagents without this substituent were unselective in this respect. A possible explanation for the selectivity may be that the 8-substituent influences the coordination geometry of the metal chelates in favour of tetrahedral complexes.     

One-pot functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals with various cationic groups

After successful cationization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to produce pyridinium-grafted-CNCs, a variety of different cationic CNCs were prepared using a similar procedure, thus unlocking access to a wide variety of cationized cellulose nanocrystals through a simple one-pot reaction. In this study, cationic CNCs were prepared through the use of 4-(1-bromoethyl)benzoic acid or 4-bromomethylbenzoic acid, p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, CNCs, and two different amines, 1-methylimidazole and 4-dimethylaminopyridine. The amines acted as both the base catalyst for the esterification and the nucleophile to form the cationic charge. This method offers a versatile and straightforward route to prepare a variety of different cationic nanocrystals and therefore tailor their interaction with their environment.