Physicochemical properties and bio-interfacial interactions of surface modified PDLLA-PAMAM linear dendritic block copolymers

Here, we demonstrate the applicability of self-assembling linear-dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs) and their nanoaggregates possessing varied surfaces as therapeutic nanocarriers. These LDBCs are comprised of a hydrophobic, linear polyester chemically coupled to a hydrophilic dendron polyamidoamine (PAMAM)—the latter of which acts as the surface of the self-assembled nanoaggregate in aqueous media. To better understand how surface charge density affects the overall operability of these nanomaterials, we modified the nanoaggregate surface to yield cationic (NH₃⁺), neutral (OH), and anionic (COO⁻) surfaces. The effect of these modifications on the physicochemical properties (i.e., size, morphology, and surface charge density), colloidal stability, and cellular uptake mechanism of the polymeric nanocarrier were investigated. This comparative study demonstrates the viability of nanoaggregates formed from PDLLA-PAMAM LDBCs to serve as nanocarriers for applications in drug delivery.     

Effect of photoinitiator on photopolymerization of inorganic–organic hybrid polymers (ORMOCER®)

Inorganic–organic hybrid polymers have been developed and tested for evaluation in optical and electrical applications. Although hybrid inorganic–organic polymers can be synthesized by sol–gel chemistry at first, the physical properties of hybrid inorganic–organic polymers are changed during thin film-making processes, that is, photocuring and thermal curing. To investigate the effect of photoinitiator on the material properties during processing, a model system containing methacrylic groups as organically polymerizable units was selected. The conversion of CC double bond of methacrylic groups depending on some kinds of photoinitiator quantities was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was confirmed to correlate the degree of CC double bond conversion with the refractive indices. Thermodynamically, the enthalpy of the photopolymerization of hybrid polymer was investigated by UV–DSC. UV–DSC spectra showed the exothermic nature of photopolymerization of ORMOCER® to be in dependence of photoinitiator quantities. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 1979–1986, 2004     

The effects of flow split ratio and flow rate in manifolds

This paper reports a combined experimental and numerical investigation of three-dimensional steady turbulent flows in inlet manifolds of square cross-section. Predictions and measurements of the flows were carried out using computational fluid dynamics and laser Doppler anemometry techniques respectively. The flow structure was characterized in detail and the effects of flow split ratio and inlet flow rate were studied. These were found to cause significant variations in the size and shape of recirculation regions in the branches, and in the turbulence levels. It was then found that there is a significant difference between the flow rates through different branches. The performance of the code was assessed through a comparison between predictions and measurements. The comparison demonstrates that all important features of the flow are well represented by the predictions.     

On the structure of hyperbolic manifolds

Forn≥2, we quantify the Margulis constant ε(n) giving rise to a thick and thin decomposition of hyperbolicn-manifolds of finite volume. As a consequence, we obtain new universal lower bounds for the volume and Gromov's invariant as well as a geometrical inequality between injectivity radius and diameter for compact manifolds. Finally, we concretise the upper bound for the counting function of hyperbolic manifolds of dimension >4 as described by Burger, Gelander, Lubotzky and Mozes. Partially supported by Schweizerischer Nationalfonds No. 20-61379.00 and 20-67619.02.     

Independence and graph homomorphisms graph homomorphisms

A graph with n vertices that contains no triangle and no 5-cycle and minimum degree exceeding n/4 contains an independent set with at least (3n)/7 vertices. This is best possible. The proof proceeds by producing a homomorphism to the 7-cycle and invoking the No Homomorphism Lemma. For k ≥ 4, a graph with n vertices, odd girth 2k+1, and minimum degree exceeding n/(k+1) contains an independent set with at least kn/(2k+1) vertices; however, we suspect this is not best possible. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Postmodification of poly(9‐alkyl‐9H‐carbazole‐2,7‐diyl)s as a route to new main‐chain‐functionalized carbazole polymers

The postmodification of poly[9‐(2‐hexyldecyl)‐9H‐carbazole‐2,7‐diyl] ( P1 ) upon its reaction with N‐bromosuccinimide affords exclusive and full bromination of the 3,6‐positions of the carbazole repeat units to yield poly[3,6‐dibromo‐9‐(2‐hexyldecyl)‐9H‐carbazole‐2,7‐diyl] ( P2 ). Brominated polymer P2 can be used as a precursor for further functionalization at the 3,6‐positions with the desired functional group to afford other useful polymers. Polymer P2 has hence been reacted with copper(I) cyanide to afford poly[3,6‐dicyano‐9‐(2‐hexyldecyl)‐9H‐carbazole‐2,7‐diyl] ( P3 ). Full substitution of the bromide groups with nitrile‐functional groups has been achieved. The preparation and structural characterization of polymers P2 and P3 are presented together with studies on their electronic conjugation and photoluminescence properties. Cyclic voltammetry studies on polymer P3 indicate that the new polymer is easier to reduce (n‐dope) but more difficult to oxidize than its unsubstituted counterpart ( P1 ) as a result of the introduction of the electron‐withdrawing nitrile‐functional groups at the 3,6‐positions on the carbazole repeat units on the polymer chains. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3336–3342, 2006     

利用低能质子束产生高强度放射性束流

加拿大TRIUMF实验室利用¹¹C成功验证了一种产生高强度(～10⁸ions/s)放射性束流的方法. 该方法不同于普通在线同位素分离方法, 它利用了13MeV的低能强流质子束, 可以产生一系列核天体物理实验感兴趣的高强度放射性束流.     

Background levels of uranium in human urine

The literature on the normal content of uranium in urine is reviewed. The reported normal concentration has declined several orders of magnitude over the years, probably due to improvements in analytical technique rather than a real change. The lowest mean values were reported with spectrometry (mean of 23 ng/l in 12 subjects) and thermal ion mass spectrometry (3.4 ng/l in 1 subject). Even spectrometry is not sufficiently sensitive at normal levels, so that techniques such as fission track analysis or mass spectrometry must be used to obtain results above the detection limit of the technique for individual samples.