Low temperature specific heat calculations for amorphous polystyrene

Numerous attempts have previously been made to explain low temperature specific heat anomalies in glasses. The potential value of low frequency Raman data in interpreting such results is demonstrated here: the density of states for the 60 cm^?1 side-group mode in amorphous polystyrene is calculated from Raman measurements. Using the harmonic approximation, the contribution to the specific heat from this side-group motion is calculated and added to the Debye term. The form of C/T³ between 1.5 and 4 K is shown to be reproduced, although the magnitude of C/T³ is only about 70% of experimental values. This discrepancy and the anomalous behaviour below 1.5 K is believed to the due to lower-lying vibrational states of the system, perhaps not accessible through Raman scattering experiments.     

STUDIES OF ADHESION OF METAL PARTICLES TO SILICA PARTICLES BASED ON ZETA POTENTIAL MEASUREMENTS

The zeta-potentials of silica, copper, platinum and gold particles have been measured as a function of pH. The isoelectric points were found to be at pH 3.0, 5.8, 3.0 and 3.5, respectively. In the pH range 3.0 to 5.8 copper and silica particles are oppositely charged and accordingly the coating of silica with copper particles could be demonstrated. In the case of gold and platinum the sign of the charge is such that direct adhesion to silica particles cannot be expected and this was also demonstrated in the case of platinum.     

Synthesis of terminally substituted stilbene-tolane liquid crystals

Methods for synthesizing substituted alkyl and fluoro stilbene-tolane (PTPDP) liquid crystal materials are presented. These compounds show a slightly higher birefringence than the analogous bistolanes, but higher melting points and heats of fusion. Potential applications of these compounds for optical communications and displays are discussed.     

Synthesis of terminally substituted stilbene-tolane liquid crystals

Methods for synthesizing substituted alkyl and fluoro stilbene-tolane (PTPDP) liquid crystal materials are presented. These compounds show a slightly higher birefringence than the analogous bistolanes, but higher melting points and heats of fusion. Potential applications of these compounds for optical communications and displays are discussed.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-arachidonoyl glycine,an abundant endogenous lipid,potently drives directed cellular migration through GPR18, the putative abnormal cannabidiol receptor

Background  

Microglia provide continuous immune surveillance of the CNS and upon activation rapidly change phenotype to express receptors that respond to chemoattractants during CNS damage or infection. These activated microglia undergo directed migration towards affected tissue. Importantly, the molecular species of chemoattractant encountered determines if microglia respond with pro- or anti-inflammatory behaviour, yet the signaling molecules that trigger migration remain poorly understood. The endogenous cannabinoid system regulates microglial migration via CB₂ receptors and an as yet unidentified GPCR termed the 'abnormal cannabidiol' (Abn-CBD) receptor. Abn-CBD is a synthetic isomer of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) and is inactive at CB₁ or CB₂ receptors, but functions as a selective agonist at this G_i/o-coupled GPCR. N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly) is an endogenous metabolite of the endocannabinoid anandamide and acts as an efficacious agonist at GPR18. Here, we investigate the relationship between NAGly, Abn-CBD, the unidentified 'Abn-CBD' receptor, GPR18, and BV-2 microglial migration.     

Neutron scattering studies of syndiotactic polystyrene crystals

Neutron scattering experiments are reported on solution grown crystals of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) at small and large q, in order to investigate the chain conformation within the lamellar crystals. From the results in both the Guinier and the intermediate ranges, we come to the following conclusions: The chain folds in one or several sheet depending on the molecular weight, comparison between measured and calculated intensity plots give strong indication that a is the fold direction. The statistical model recently built for the spatial arrangement of stems in a sheet-like structure is successful again, and demonstrate a strong statistical preference for adjacent re-entry.