Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs): Preparation and Properties of Calix[4]resorcinarene Derived Systems.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) have been prepared fromc-2,c-8,c-14,c-20-tetraundecyl-4,6,10,12,16,18,22,24-octahydroxyresorc[4]areneas colloidal suspensions. Photon Correlation Spectroscopy studies revealed aparticle hydrodynamic diameter of 150 nm. Non-contact mode Atomic ForceMicroscopy allows observation of the particles as slightly flattened sphericalobjects of 236 (±40) nm diameter and 145 (±40) nm height. Thestudy of the preparation parameters showed that shear force does not affectthe hydrodynamic size of the SLNs. In contrast, the viscosity and the pH ofthe aqueous phase, the amphiphile concentration in the organic phase and thevolume of organic phase used, all lead to variation in the size of the particles.In term of post preparation parameters only the ionic strength has been shownto affect significantly the particle size; while the pH of the storing solution,microwave, ultrasonic and thermal treatments do not. Short and long-termstability studies have been performed to measure the effect of the ionic strengthon the stability of the particles. The use of carbohydrate cryoprotectants does notallow re-dispersion of the colloidal suspension after freeze-drying.     

A Pilot Survey of Vocal Health in Young Singers

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of vocal problems in young choir singers and to correlate vocal problems with demographic and behavioral information. A questionnaire addressing vocal habits and hygiene was offered to 571 young choir singers, up to 25 years of age, who sing at least weekly; 129 (22.6%) responded. More than one-half of the respondents had experienced vocal difficulty, particularly older adolescents. Detrimental behaviors and circumstances surveyed were not reflective of the incidence of vocal difficulty, except for morning hoarseness, chronic fatigue, insomnia, and female gender after puberty. Voice care professionals should be aware that self-reported voice difficulties are common among young choral singers, especially postpubescent girls, and children with symptoms consistent with reflux (morning hoarseness) and emotional stress (insomnia). Laryngologists should communicate with choral conductors and singing teachers to enhance early identification and treatment of children with voice complaints, and to develop choral educational strategies that help decrease their incidence.     

Air-stable liquid clathrates. 1. Crystal structure of [NBu4][Br3] and reactivity of the [NBu4][Br3]·5 C6H6 liquid clathrate

[NBu₄][Br₃] interacts with C₆H₆ to form an air-stable liquid clathrate. The tribromide anion reacts with phenol to give para-bromophenol in>95% yield. The HBr which is generated in the reaction combines with the Br^– anion to form [Br-H-Br]^–. The latter forms the basis for a new liquid clathrate, [NBu₄][Br-H-Br]·n C₆H₆. The parent salt, [NBu₄][Br₃], crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c witha=12.983(5),b=10.380(7),c=16.222(6) Å,=93.93(3)°, andD _c =1.47 g cm^–3 forZ=4. The final R value is 0.068 based on 787 observed reflections.