Effect of polymer surface activity on cavitation nuclei stability against dissolution

The persistence of acoustic cavitation in a pulsed wave ultrasound regime depends upon the ability of cavitation nuclei, i.e., bubbles, to survive the off time between pulses. Due to the dependence of bubble dissolution on surface tension, surface-active agents may affect the stability of bubbles against dissolution. In this study, measurements of bubble dissolution rates in solutions of the surface-active polymer poly(propyl acrylic acid) (PPAA) were conducted to test this premise. The surface activity of PPAA varies with solution pH and concentration of dissolved polymer molecules. The surface tension of PPAA solutions (55-72 dynes/cm) that associated with the polymer surface activity was measured using the Wilhelmy plate technique. Samples of these polymer solutions then were exposed to 1.1 MHz high intensity focused ultrasound, and the dissolution of bubbles created by inertial cavitation was monitored using an active cavitation detection scheme. Analysis of the pulse echo data demonstrated that bubble dissolution time was inversely proportional to the surface tension of the solution. Finally, comparison of the experimental results with dissolution times computed from the Epstein-Plesset equation suggests that the radii of residual bubbles from inertial cavitation increase as the surface tension decreases.     

High resolution spectroscopy of (lambda)(12)B by electroproduction

An experiment measuring electroproduction of hypernuclei has been performed in hall A at Jefferson Lab on a 12C target. In order to increase counting rates and provide unambiguous kaon identification two superconducting septum magnets and a ring imaging Cherenkov detector were added to the hall A standard equipment. An unprecedented energy resolution of less than 700 keV FWHM has been achieved. Thus, the observed (Lambda)(12)B spectrum shows for the first time identifiable strength in the core-excited region between the ground-state s-wave Lambda peak and the 11 MeV p-wave Lambda peak.     

Biochemical sensor based on a novel all-fibre cavity ring down spectroscopy technique incorporating a tilted fibre Bragg grating

A novel all-fibre cavity ring down spectroscopy technique is proposed where a tilt fibre Bragg grating (TFBG) or long-period grating (LPG) in the cavity provides sensitivity to surrounding medium. Such configuration with an LPG as the representative was theoretically analyzed. Two spectral bands were identified employable for sensing of surrounding refractive index for a weak LPG while only one band existed for a strong LPG. A TFBG, with enhanced sensitivity compared to usual LPGs, was used in a ring down cavity of 1 m constructed with 2 fibre Bragg gratings as the reflectors and the decay time changed from 220 to 450 ns when the TFBG was immersed into water from air.     

Magnesium hydroperoxyacetate (MHPA) and magnesium dihydroperoxide (MDHP): New antibacterial agents for fibrous substrates

Water-dispersable products have been prepared from the reaction of magnesium acetate tetrahydrate with hydrogen peroxide at mole ratios of 1 : 2 to 1 : 40 to produce compositions with active oxygen or peroxide contents of 1–30%. The products are believed to be stoichiometric mixtures of HOO Mg OAc and HOO Mg OOH that vary in composition with the molar ratios used. These new compounds are hydrolytically stable at ambient temperatures for extended periods (at least 60 days) and thermally stable below 300°C. Pad-cure processes are described for applying the above reaction products as a dispersion in water or aqueous hydrogen peroxide or as a foam in aqueous hydrogen peroxide to impart antibacterial activity to celulosics, synthetic fibers and fiber blends. The textiles are treated with dispersions or foam containing 10–17% of the reaction products derived from mole ratios of 1 : 2 to 1 : 40 magnesium acetate tetrahydrate: hydrogen peroxide. On subsequent heating for 2–4 min at 120–150°C, washing and drying, the modified textiles contain durably bound active oxygen or peroxide (0.1–1.7%) that has activity against representative gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria for up to 50 launderings.     

Stereoselective Synthesis of Functionalized Pyrrolidines by the Diverted N−H Insertion Reaction of Metallocarbenes with β‐Aminoketone Derivatives

A highly stereoselective route to functionalized pyrrolidines by the metal‐catalyzed diverted N?H insertion of a range of diazocarbonyl compounds with β‐aminoketone derivatives is described. A number of catalysts (rhodium(II) carboxylate dimers, copper(I) triflate, and an iron(III) porphyrin) are shown to promote the process under mild conditions to give a wide range of highly substituted proline derivatives. The reaction starts as a metallocarbene N?H insertion but is diverted by an intermolecular aldol reaction.