An Analysis of the Interactions of BSA with an Anion-Exchange Surface Under Linear and Non-Linear Conditions

The interactions of BSA with an anion-exchange adsorbent have been studied to aid in the understanding of protein adsorption in ion-exchange chromatography. Linear chromatography, flow microcalorimetry and isotherm measurements were used to analyze adsorption energetics in the linear and overloaded regions of the equilibrium isotherm. The effects of salt type, salt and protein concentration, and temperature are reported. It was observed that under all conditions studied the adsorption process was entropically driven. This was contrary to expectations, since at the pH selected ion exchange is expected to dominate. A major driving force for the adsorption of BSA on the anion exchanger was concluded to be the increase in entropy from the release of water due to interactions between hydrophobic regions on the protein and adsorbent. The data further suggest that the conformational entropy change accompanying protein adsorption on the ion exchanger may also be significant.     

Protein adsorption on the mesoporous molecular sieve silicate SBA-15: effects of pH and pore size

A mesoporous molecular sieve silicate, SBA-15, with three pore sizes (38.1 A, 77.3 A, and 240 A) has been synthesized using a non-ionic, tri-block copolymer as a template in a sol-gel method. The effects of synthesis conditions on the pore size and pore-size distribution of this adsorbent have been described. The adsorption of proteins on these crystalline, ordered, materials has been studied. The kinetics of adsorption and equilibrium capacity have been probed with three proteins of different dimensions. The effects of electrostatic interactions and protein size are illustrated. It has been shown that SBA-15 materials can be tailored to show size selectivity for proteins, and very high capacities (450 mg/g) can be obtained. Furthermore, the rates of adsorption are shown to be dependent on the pore size, protein structure and solution pH.     

Insights into electrodeposition of an inhibitor film and its inhibitive effects on calcium carbonate deposition

Polycarboxylic acid (PAA), a common scale inhibitor has demonstrated adsorption properties on stainless steel surfaces. An electrochemically based technique has been used to assess the extent of film formation. The presence of calcium and magnesium ions in the solution and the cathodic electrochemical activity at the metal surface have been shown to enhance the inhibitor film formation by promoting the transport of the inhibitor from the solution to the metal surface. The effect of the inhibitor film in retarding scale deposition is assessed using measurement of the deposition onto metal electrodes immersed in a supersaturated solution of CaCO(3). The practical implications of these findings are discussed.     

Optimisation of partial least squares regression calibration models in near-infrared spectroscopy: a novel algorithm for wavelength selection

A novel optimisation algorithm is presented for full spectrum calibration models in near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The algorithm is used to investigate the affect of removing continuous spectral regions on parameters critical to the validity of the model (e.g. explained variance, bias etc.) and ultimately identify and remove problem areas of the spectrum. As an example of its application, this paper shows how to optimise partial least squares regression (PLSR) calibration models for predicting moisture content within an intact pharmaceutical product and how problems due to changes in the nature of samples since setting up the original model may be eliminated. On application of two validated calibration models to a new set of samples unacceptable results were obtained for bias (-0.26 and -0.21% m/m moisture content) between the NIR predicted values and the true values (Karl Fischer analysis). The optimisation algorithm identified small regions of the spectrum, which if included in development of the models contributed significant bias to the final prediction. On removal of these problem regions the calibration models were found to be equally accurate and precise, but with the added advantage of robustness to a variable region of the sample spectrum (bias reduced to -0.05 and -0.09% m/m).     

Preparation and phase relationships in systems of the type CdSMIMIIIS2 where MI = Ag,Cu and MIII = Al,Ga, In

Systems of the type M^IM^IIIS₂ (chalcopyrite)-CdS (wurtzite) where M^I = Ag, Cu and M^III = Al, Ga, In were investigated to determine the regions of mutual solid solubility. It was found that the chalcopyrite structure could not tolerate extensive CdS substitution. When M^III was Al or Ga the solubility of M^IM^IIIS₂ in CdS was also very limited. However, when M^III = In (r_In³⁺ ? r_Ga³⁺ > r_Al³⁺), the solubility of M^IInS₂ in CdS was quite extensive (～50%). These results are consistent with a prior study on systems of the type M^IM^IIIS₂ZnS which indicated that in sulfides, larger cations tend to result in the formation of new quaternary, wurtzite phases.     

Surface-localized release of nitric oxide via sol-gel chemistry

The release of nitric oxide (NO) from polymers has proven to be highly effective at inhibiting platelet adhesion and thus enhancing the blood compatibility of medical implants. Micropatterning techniques were used to design surfaces that release NO while preserving the underlying substrate for other applications (e.g., sensors). Micropatterned NO-releasing substrates based on aminosilane-containing methyltrimethoxysilane sol-gels were prepared and characterized in terms of stability, NO surface flux, and resistance to in vitro platelet adhesion. We have found that surface-localized NO release from substrates modified with sol-gel micropatterns exhibit enhanced blood compatibility relative to controls.     

A stochastic programming model for scheduling call centers with global Service Level Agreements

We consider the issue of call center scheduling in an environment where arrivals rates are highly variable, aggregate volumes are uncertain, and the call center is subject to a global service level constraint. This paper is motivated by work with a provider of outsourced technical support services where call volumes exhibit significant variability and uncertainty. The outsourcing contract specifies a Service Level Agreement that must be satisfied over an extended period of a week or month. We formulate the problem as a mixed-integer stochastic program. Our model has two distinctive features. Firstly, we combine the server sizing and staff scheduling steps into a single optimization program. Secondly, we explicitly recognize the uncertainty in period-by-period arrival rates. We show that the stochastic formulation, in general, calculates a higher cost optimal schedule than a model which ignores variability, but that the expected cost of this schedule is lower. We conduct extensive experimentation to compare the solutions of the stochastic program with the deterministic programs, based on mean valued arrivals. We find that, in general, the stochastic model provides a significant reduction in the expected cost of operation. The stochastic model also allows the manager to make informed risk management decisions by evaluating the probability that the Service Level Agreement will be achieved.