A bi-logistic growth model for conference registration with an early bird deadline

The recent interest in human dynamics has led researchers to investigate the processes that explain human behaviour within different contexts. Here we are concerned in modelling the human response to a deadline, and in particular we look at the process of conference registration with an early bird deadline. We provide empirical evidence from a six-year conference registration data set that the bi-logistic growth function, with the interpretation as registration with an early bird deadline, can be viewed as a social mechanism.     

Folate binding protein—Outlook for drug delivery applications

Serum proteins represent an important class of drug and imaging agent delivery vectors. In this minireview, key advantages of using serum proteins are discussed, followed by the particular advantages and challenges associated with employing soluble folate binding protein. In particular, approaches employing drugs that target folate metabolism are reviewed. Additionally, the slow-onset, tightbinding interaction of folate with folate binding protein and the relationship to a natural oligomerization mechanism is discussed. These unique aspects of folate binding protein suggest interesting applications for the protein as a vector for further drug and imaging agent development.     

A simple zero length surface-modification approach for preparing novel bifunctional supports for co-immobilisation studies

A straightforward method of creating a bifunctional support possessing pre-defined ratios of amine and chloromethyl groups based upon a controlled conversion of standard Merrifield resin is presented. It avoids the extensive optimisation of reactant concentrations and reaction conditions required by existing methods. Furthermore, it avoids increases in the spacer/linker length that lead to detrimental reductions in the rigidity of the grafted layer. The method will allow for efficient, predictable and reproducible co-immobilisation of molecular species.     

Mitigation of signal suppression caused by the use of trifluoroacetic acid in liquid chromatography mobile phases during liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis via post‐column addition of ammonium hydroxide

A method has been developed to reduce the mass spectrometric ion signal suppression associated with the use of TFA as an additive in LC mobile phases. Through post‐column infusion of diluted NH₄OH solution to LC eluents, the ammonium ion introduced causes the neutral analyte‐TFA ion pair to dissociate which consequently releases the protonated analyte as free ions into the gas phase (through regular electrospray ionization mechanisms). An ion signal improvement from 1.2 to 20 times for a variety of compounds had been achieved through the application of this method. The molar ratios of NH₄OH:TFA which result in a reduction of signal suppression were determined to be between 0.5:1 and 50:1. In addition, it was shown that this NH₄OH infusion method could reduce the level of doubly‐charged species and the product ions formed via in‐source collision. The use of diluted NH₄OH solution is favorable since it is compatible with mass spectrometry analysis, and it is applicable in both positive and negative‐ion generation mode. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of drying method on the properties and nanoscale structure of cellulose whiskers

Cellulose whiskers were prepared from wood- and cotton-based microcrystalline cellulose and dried by two methods: freeze-drying or air-drying. The effect of drying method on the properties and structure of the whiskers were studied. Furthermore, the influence of the source of cellulose on the nanoscale structure was investigated. Drying method was observed to slightly influence the thermal stability of cellulose whiskers, whereas the char residue varied significantly depending on the drying process performed. Small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to examine the crystallinity and nanoscale structure of the dried whiskers. It was observed that the crystal structure and crystallinity of cellulose whiskers remained during all treatments, whereas their nanoscale structure was significantly influenced by drying method, neutralization, and source of cellulose. Relationships between thermal behavior and nanoscale structure were reported and discussed.     

DSC study of stabilizing effect of antioxidant mixtures in styrene-butadiene rubber

The type of cooperation between antioxidants in the binary mixtures of four substituted diphenylamines and phenotiazine in the stabilization of styrene-butadiene rubber has been tested. Thermooxidation of the samples has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry under non-isothermal conditions. The protection factors of the individual stabilizers and their mixtures were determined. The synergy factors were applied to asses the type of cooperation of antioxidants in the mixtures. From their values it can be concluded that the type of cooperation depends on temperature. The highest synergistic effect has been observed for the mixture of phenotiazine and [4-(1-methyl-1-phenyl-ethyl)-phenyl]-phenylamine.     

Numerical simulation for the temperature changing rule of the crude oil in a storage tank based on the wavelet finite element method

In order to study the temperature changing rule of the crude oil in the storage tank, the wavelet finite element method, the traditional finite element method and the test were used to carry out the numerical simulation. Firstly, the thermal wavelet finite element was put forward established based on thermal finite element theory and the wavelet theory. And the computational model and three boundary conditions were established. And then the temperature changing rule of the crude oil in the storage tank in 24 h for three boundary conditions was obtained by using three methods, and the results showed that the wavelet finite element method had advantages in the numerical analysis of the temperature changing rule of the crude oil in the storage. And then the temperature distribution rule of the crude oil in the storage tank under different conditions in 5 h was obtained. And the temperature changing mechanism of the crude oil was summarized finally.     

Quantification methods of amorphous/crystalline fractions in high-energy ball milled pharmaceutical products

In this work, thermoanalytical, diffractometry, and microscopy measurements have been performed in order to characterize the effect of high energy milling on a drug active in the migraine prophylaxis and smoke cessation. We can assert that the mechanical treatment induces only a partial amorphisation of the solid phase, in particular it reduces the crystal order by producing lattice defects which propagate from the surface to the bulk crystal. For this reason, the DSC is able to detect the presence of ordered solid, while the powder X-ray diffractometry, because of its low penetration depth, does not reach the crystalline core of the particles.