A novel approach for introducing particulate matter into thermal plasmas: The triple-cathode arc

A coalesced high-intensity dc discharge is maintained between three cathodes and a single anode, stabilized by using resistors on each cathode leg. Jets of plasma gas are produced from either the cathode area or the anode area of the device. Cathode jets are generated by the self-induced pumping at the cathode tips and augmented by central gas injection. Arc voltage-current characteristics show classical convection-stabilized arc behavior. Anode heat transfer rates may be substantially increased by central gas injection toward the anode. Temperature fields in the coalesced, axially symmetric portion of the arc are determined spectrometrically and compared to those of a classical single-cathode free-burning arc.     

Screening method for organic aciduria by spectrofluorometric measurement of total dicarboxylic acids in human urine based on intramolecular excimer-forming fluorescence derivatization

A simple screening method of organic aciduria by spectrofluorometric measurement of total dicarboxylic acids in human urine is described. This method is based on an intramolecular excimer-forming fluorescence derivatization with a pyrene reagent, 4-(1-pyrene)butanoic acid hydrazide (PBH). Dicarboxylic acids in urine were converted to the corresponding dipyrene-labeled derivatives by reaction with PBH in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide and pyridine, and the derivatives afforded intramolecular excimer fluorescence (420-540 nm) which can clearly be discriminated from the normal fluorescence (360-420 nm) emitted from reagent blanks. The technique is so selective that it permits spectrofluorometric measurement of total amount of dicarboxylic acids by the direct derivatization of diluted urine samples. The same reaction mixture has also served as a liquid chromatographic (LC) sample for the separative determination of individual dicarboxylic acids. The spectrofluorometric data did not contradict with the LC data. These methods were usefully applied to preliminary screening test of glutaric aciduria. In conclusion, the present derivatization method allows rapid and direct determination of total amount of dicarboxylic acids in human urine samples.     

Study of Densities, Viscosities and Ultrasonic Speeds of Binary Mixtures Containing 1,2-Dimethoxyethane and an Alkan-l-ol at 298.15 K

The viscosity deviation (Δη), the excess molar volume (V ^E) and the ultrasonic speed (u) have been investigated from viscosity (η) and density (ρ ) measurements of binary liquid mixtures of 1,2-dimethyoxyethane with methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, butan-1-ol, pentan-1-ol, hexan-1-ol or octan-1-ol over the entire range of composition at 298.15 K. The excess volumes are negative over the entire range of composition for all of the mixtures with the exception of hexan-1-ol and octan-1-ol. The excess isentropic compressibilities (K _S ^E) and viscosity deviations are negative for all of the mixtures. The magnitudes of the negative values of V ^E decrease with the number of carbon atoms of the alkan-1-ol. The trend of increasing K _S ^E values with the chain length of the alkanol is similar to that observed in the case of V ^E. Graphs of V ^E, Δ η, K _S ^E, Δ u, L _f ^E and Z ^E against composition are presented as a basis for a qualitative discussion of the results.     

工作用玻璃液体温度计温度修正值的测量不确定度分析

依据JJF1059－1999，利用二等水银湿度计标准装置，分析了工作用玻璃液体温度计温度修正值的测量不确定度。当温度测量点为20℃时，工作用玻璃液体温度计温度修正值的扩展不确定度为0.054℃，当温度测量点为95℃时，工作用玻璃液体温度计温度修正值的扩展不确定度为0.055℃。     

Conformational studies of basic poly (α-amino acid)s in reversed micelles

The conformation of various basic poly (-amino acid)s was investigated by CD measurements in aqueous solutions containing bis (2-ethylhexyl)sodium sulfosuccinate (AOT) as well as in the AOT reversed micelles. The addition of AOT into an aqueous solution of poly(L-lysine) induces the conformational transition from coil to ordered structure, followed by aggregation. On the other hand, poly(L-lysine) assumes-structure in the reversed micelles at low w_ovalue (w_o=[H₂O]/[AOT]). Similarly to poly(L-lysine), poly(L-ornithine) takes an ordered structure in the aqueous solution containing AOT and-structure in the reversed micelles. In this case, however, these ordered structures are not so stable, compared with that of poly(L-lysine). Poly(L-arginine) undergoes the conformational transition from coil to helix by addition of AOT into the aqueous solution. Further addition of AOT allows transformation into-structure. Copoly(L-lysyl-L-leucine) with 63% leucine residue was shown to take a stable helical conformation even in pure water. In the reversed micelles, however, this ordered structure is significantly changed probably because the hydrophobic interaction among the leucyl residues is lowered in the reversed micelles.     

Determination of uncertainty for hardness measurement: proposal of the standard,available software

After the next revision of the ISO-standards for hardness testing (ISO 6506–6508) an estimation of the uncertainty (ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 5725) is mandatory. The two proposed approaches of part one (ISO 6506–6508) of the ISO Standards for hardness are exemplified. The calculation approach implemented in an Excel-based file, which is available via , is announced.Presented at the Metro Trade Workshop on Traceability and Measurement Uncertainty in Testing, 30–31 January 2003, Berlin, Germany     

A study for quality evaluation of Taxilli Herba from different hosts based on fingerprint-activity relationship modeling and multivariate statistical analysis

In this study, a fingerprint-activity relationship modeling between chemical fingerprints and antirheumatic activity was established, and multivariate statistical analysis was used to evaluate the quality of Taxilli Herba (TH) from different hosts. Characteristic fingerprints of 20 batches of TH samples were generated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS), and the similarity analysis was calculated based on thirteen common characteristic peaks by hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). Subsequently, nine efficacy markers were discovered by combining fingerprints and antirheumatic activity through grey correlation analysis (GCA) and bivariate correlation analysis (BCA). Meanwhile, the content of 5 constituents in 9 markers was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole-linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS). The comprehensive quality of TH was assessed using multivariate statistical analysis, including principal components analysis (PCA) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The results showed that a high dose of TH extract could markedly ameliorate arthritis damage compared to other doses, with flavonoids playing an important role in the antirheumatic activity. The comprehensive quality of samples from Morus alba L. (SS) was superior to those from Liquidambar formosana Hance (FXS). The present study will demonstrate the markers associated with efficacy, and provide an applicable strategy for more comprehensive quality control and evaluation of TH.     

The role of proficiency testing in the detection and resolution of calibration bias in the LeadCare® blood lead analyzer; limitations of peer-group assessment

Following implementation of the CLIA ‘88 laboratory regulations, the primary role of proficiency testing (external quality assessment, PT) in the U.S. has been widely viewed as one of assuring regulatory compliance. PT can also be an effective tool for detecting widespread analytical problems, subject to limitations based on the method of PT assigned value determination. A recent case study describes the role of two PT programs in detecting and resolving a calibration bias in the LeadCare blood lead analyzer, and illustrates the limitations of peer-group target determination in fulfilling that PT role.     

Quantitative HPTLC determination of prostaglandin E1

Direct in situ determination of PGE₁ in dioxane/water (1:1) at concentrations between 50 μg/ml and 1 mg/ml is described. HPTLC of PGE₁ was carried out on HPTLC Kieselgel 60 o.F. plates; application (200 nl) was with a Nano-Appllcator and ethyl acetate/formic acid (400:5, v/v) served as mobile phase. The spots were located by dipping the plates into a 3% cupric acetate solution in 15% aqueous phosphoric acid, followed by heating at 120°C for 15 min. The plates were then evaluated directly at λ = 345 nm by chromatogram spectrometry. The coefficient of variation is 3.6%.