Antimicrobial activity on the copolymers of 2,4‐dichlorophenyl methacrylate with methyl methacrylate: Synthesis and characterization

Copolymers of monomers 2,4‐dichlorophenyl methacrylate (2,4‐DMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were synthesized with different monomer feed ratios using toluene as a solvent and 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator at 70 °C. The copolymers were characterized by IR‐spectroscopy, and copolymer composition was determined with UV‐spectroscopy. The linearization method of Fineman–Ross was employed to obtain the monomer reactivity ratios. The molecular weights and polydispersity indexes were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Thermogravimetric analyses of polymers were carried out in nitrogen atmosphere. The homo‐ and copolymers were tested for their antimicrobial properties against selected microorganisms. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5227–5234, 2004     

Quantification of trace elements in human serum fractions by liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

On‐line coupling of LC and ICP‐MS has been used for fractionation and detection of species of Cu, Fe, I, Se and Zn in human serum. It has been shown that anion exchange chromatography provided better separation capability (both intra‐ and inter‐element) than size‐exclusion chromatography. The mobile phases for ion exchange chromatography consisted of Tris–HNO₃ buffer and ammonium salt (nitrate, acetate or formate). Formate was found to be the best mobile phase counter ion, enabling good chromatographic separation, and is acceptable for mass spectrometry too. The quantitative evaluation of element concentrations adhering to individual fractions was performed by the peak area normalization method. The repeatability of results ranged from 3 to 15% (depending on the element concentration level) and represented the main part of the result uncertainty. The accuracy of Cu and Zn fraction determinations was confirmed by comparison with the isotope dilution technique. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A bio-mechanical model for coupling cell contractility with focal adhesion formation

Focal adhesions (FAs) are large, multi-protein complexes that provide a mechanical link between the cytoskeletal contractile machinery and the extracellular matrix. They exhibit mechanosensitive properties; they self-assemble upon application of pulling forces and dissociate when these forces are decreased. We rationalize this mechano-sensitivity from thermodynamic considerations and develop a continuum framework in which the cytoskeletal contractile forces generated by stress fibers drive the assembly of the FA multi-protein complexes. The FA model has three essential features: (i) the low and high affinity integrins co-exist in thermodynamic equilibrium, (ii) the low affinity integrins within the plasma membrane are mobile, and (iii) the contractile forces generated by the stress fibers are in mechanical equilibrium and change the free energies of the integrins. A general two-dimensional framework is presented and the essential features of the model illustrated using one-dimensional examples. Consistent with observations, the coupled stress fiber and FA model predict that (a) the FAs concentrate around the periphery of the cell; (b) the fraction of the cell covered by FAs increases with decreasing cell size while the total FA intensity increases with increasing cell size; and (c) the FA intensity decreases substantially when cell contractility is curtailed.     

Hybridization in some macrocyclic polyacetylenes

The hybridization in several cyclic polyacetylene compounds has been calculated by the maximum overlap method, assuming planar and non-planar geometries of the molecules. In the planar configuration the hybrids describing the molecular skeleton deviate from the corresponding bond directions. We have a few “bent” bonds, but in contrast to the situation in small rings, here the deviation angles are negative, i.e., the hybrids point toward the inside of the ring. Non-planar structures in which acetylene groups are kept in a plane and CCH₂ or CH₂ groups are displaced out of the plane show less deviation from the bond directions of bent bonds. Furthermore, the deviation angles decrease with an increase in the out-of-plane displacement of methylene groups. Finally, when the angle of bending of the molecules approaches 50°, the deviation vanishes, predicting a puckered conformation for the molecules. Correlation between CC stretching vibration frequencies and the corresponding CC bond overlap is discussed.     

Relationships for determining the rate constant of the polymerization growth reaction by means of the emulsion polymerization method

Some simple equations for the emulsion polymerization system were derived on the basis of the Smith-Ewart theory. These are used in calculating the molar monomer concentration and rate of polymerization in units of moles per liter per second for the zero-order region with respect to the monomer as well as in calculating the rate constant of the growth reaction.     

On the evaluation of the characteristic polynomial via symmetric function theory

The use of power sum symmetric functions leads to Newton's identities, which relate the traces of various powers ofA, the adjacency matrix of a graph, and the coefficients of the characteristic polynomials. While it is possible to solve Newton's identities and generate the coefficients by recursion or, alternatively, to derive them by sequential manipulations (yielding the explicit formulas), we show how the results can be expressed using a combinatorial approach and relate the evaluation of the coefficients to selected Young diagrams.     

Amperometry with two polarizable electrodes. XVI

Summary Conditions for the magnesium determination in alkaline solution by EDTA titration with biamperometric indication were examined. The most preferable pH range was found to be above 9.6. A reliable determination can be carried out in the presence of Ca, Ni, Cu and Co up to the ratio of 11. In the case of higher concentrations of Cu and Ni masking with potassium cyanide can be used. In this case, however, a change of the titration curves occurs.A new method for the determination of water-hardness by biamperometric indication is proposed. It is rapid and accurate and meets the requirements of routine and research work (error: ±1%).

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Zusammenfassung Die Bedingungen für die Magnesiumbestimmung in alkalischer Lösung durch Titration mit ÄDTA bei biamperometrischer Endpunktsanzeige wurden untersucht. Der günstigste pH-Bereich liegt über 9,6. Zuverlässige Bestimmungen können in Gegenwart von Ca, Ni, Cu und Co bis zum Verhältnis 11 ausgeführt werden. Höhere Konzentrationen an Cu oder Ni können mit KCN maskiert werden, wobei allerdings eine Umkehrung der Kurven auftritt.Ein Verfahren zur Wasserhärtebestimmung mit biamperometrischer Indikation wird vorgeschlagen, das schnell durchzuführen ist und genaue Werte liefert (Fehler ±1%).

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Part XV: Vorlíek, J., and P. Peták: Microchem. J. 12, 466–471 (1967).     

The structure,magnetic and spectral properties of 4-acetylpyridine N-oxide complexes of copper(II) propionates

The synthesis and characterization of CuX₂L; (X = CH₃CH₂COO^?, ClCH₂CH₂COO^?, CH₃CHClCOO^? or CH₃CCl₂COO^?; and L = 4-acetylpyridine N-oxide) is reported. The characterization of these compounds was based on electronic, infrared and EPR spectra, as well as magnetic measurements over the temperature range. Several correlations between the spectral and magnetic data as well as pK_a values of the respective acids were found and discussed. On the basis of spectral and magnetic data the structures of the compounds are discussed.     

Die Anwendung der Pyrogallolcarbons?ure als komplexometrischem Indicator

Zusammenfassung PyrogallolcarbonsÄure kann mit Vorteil als Indicator bei der direkten Titration von Calciumsalzlösungen mit 0,1 m Komplexon(III)-lösung benutzt werden. Es ergibt sich ein scharfer Farbumschlag von Violettrot nach Gelb; die Titrationsergebnisse stimmen auch in Anwesenheit von Magnesiumsalz sowohl untereinander als auch mit den Sollwerten sehr befriedigend überein.Die direkte Titration von Barium- oder Strontium-Ionen ist wegen des in diesen FÄllen undeutlichen Farbumschlages nicht zu empfehlen. Dagegen sind beide Metall-Ionen (und auch Ca-Ion) gut zu bestimmen, wenn man mit einem gemessenen Komplexonüberschu\ versetzt und den unverbrauchten Rest mit 0,1 m Bariumchloridlösung zurücktitriert. Der Farbumschlag des PyrogallolcarbonsÄure-Indicators von Gelb nach Violettrot ist scharf.Das gleiche indirekte Bestimmungsverfahren (Rücktitration mit 0,1 m BaCl₂-Lösung) eignet sich auch zur Bestimmung von Blei-, Cadmium-, Aluminium- und Zink-Ionen.