Numerical modeling of magnetic drug targeting

A special focused magnet, designed for the use in the magnetic targeted drug delivery system, was constructed. The theoretical calculation of the adhesion condition for a magnetic fluid drop in magnetic field with obtained design showed that the constructed focused magnet generates a sufficient magnetic force for the capture of a magnetic drop on the vessel wall and can be used 1.5–2 cm deeper in an organism compared with the prism permanent magnet, which can enable non-invasivity of the magnetic drug targeting procedure. The maximal values for magnetic field and gradient of magnetic field are 0.38 T and 101 T/m, respectively.     

C-terminal processing of yeast Spt7 occurs in the absence of functional SAGA complex

Background  

Spt7 is an integral component of the multi-subunit SAGA complex that is required for the expression of ~10% of yeast genes. Two forms of Spt7 have been identified, the second of which is truncated at its C-terminus and found in the SAGA-like (SLIK) complex.     

From Field Emission to Vacuum Arc Ignition: A New Tool for Simulating Copper Vacuum Arcs

Understanding plasma initiation in vacuum arc discharges can help to bridge the gap between nano‐scale triggering phenomena and the macroscopic surface damage caused by vacuum arcs. We present a new twodimensional particle‐in‐cell tool to simulate plasma initiation in direct‐current (DC) copper vacuum arc discharges starting from a single, strong field emitter at the cathode. Our simulations describe in detail how a sub‐micron field emission site can evolve to a macroscopic vacuum arc discharge, and provide a possible explanation for why and how cathode spots can spread on the cathode surface. Furthermore, the model provides us with a prediction for the current and voltage characteristics, as well as for properties of the plasma like densities, fluxes and electric potentials in a simple DC discharge case, which are in agreement with the known experimental values. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Magnetic fluid in ionizing electric field

This article describes influence of strong (ionizing) electric field on sprayability of magnetic fluid containing colloid particles with size in the range from 10 to 20 nm of magnetite Fe₃O₄. Magnetic fluids can be based for example on both transformer oil and physiological solution for application in medical using (in human medical science research), that supports a fluid colloidal system. Further component of magnetic fluid is surfactant. It is acting as surface-active substance that prevents from nanometric dimension particle settlement. Magnetic fluid gets off nozzle with diameter in range 0.3–1.0 mm from container in surroundings of ionizing (i.e. strong) electric field (E > 10⁷ V m^?1). As a consequence of action of electric field it gives out suppression surface tension in fluid what leads onwards to decomposition of magnetic fluid ligament at the end of nozzle. The diameter of nozzle oneself respects basic theoretical calculations in regards of fluid concentration and thereinbefore its selected size. Magnetic fluid in dependency on its used liquid base has weak-polar till polar orientation polarization character. It gives out sprayability in non-homogeneous electric field E in combination with magnetic field of intensity H. Orientation of vectors Ê and ?, resp. induction of magnetic field B is defined by parallel or vertical direction. Results are confronted with measurements realized explicitly only at action of electric field (variable B = 0). In the case of magnetic field applications with permanent magnet together with electric non-homogeneous field it gives out unconventional dynamics of electrical charging particles of macroscopic dimension. Orientation particle track is influenced by orientation of field vector combinations. This phenomenon develops magneto-dielectric anisotropy, which oneself manifests behaviour of electrophysical quantities characterizing examination system. In consideration of technology utilization of this method it is very important to respect applied magnetic fluid concentration. Electrical characteristics were examined for volume concentration of magnetite particles in the range from 0.125% to 18%. Nevertheless efficiency optimization of given media suggests to boundary concentration of magnetic fluid of 4.0%, when it is in the regions of weak polar till polar material. Electrophysical research refers to exploitation of applied magnetic layer technology on dielectric insulating substances with inorganic origin as well as thin layer technology coating plastic foils created from macromolecular organic substance.     

Why Perform Code‐to‐Code Comparisons: A Vacuum Arc Discharge Simulation Case Study

Numerical modeling is increasingly becoming an indispensable tool for investigations in many fields of physics. Such modeling is especially useful in today's big science projects as a tool that can provide predictions and design parameters. The reliability of simulation results is thus essential. Code‐to‐code comparisons can help increase our confidence in simulation results, especially when other verification methods – such as comparison to theoretical models or experimental results – are limited or unavailable. In this paper, we describe a code‐to‐code comparison exercise wherein we compare one‐dimensional vacuum arc discharge simulation results from two independent particle‐in‐cell (PIC) codes. As part of our case study, we define a vacuum arc discharge test problem that can be used by other research groups for further comparison. Early disagreement between the two sets of our results motivated us to re‐examine the underlying methods in our codes. After remedying discrepancies, we observe good agreement in vacuum arc discharge time‐to‐breakdown, as well as in the time evolution of particle and current densities. This exercise demonstrates the usefulness of code‐to‐code comparisons and provides an example case study for the benefit of other research groups who may wish to carry out similar code‐to‐code comparisons (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The structural transitions in ferronematics and ferronematic droplets

The paper presents an overview of the observations of structural transitions in ferronematic based on thermotropic nematic 6CHBT (4-trans-4′-n-hexyl-cyclohexyl-isothiocyanato-benzene) and in ferronematic droplets. The type of anchoring was determined using the results of the capacitance measurements. The ferronematic droplets were observed in solutions of nematogenic 6CHBT with fine magnetic particles and phenyl isocyanate. The phase diagram of the transitions between isotropic and nematic phases was found. The magneto-dielectric measurements of various structural transitions in this new system enabled to estimate the type of anchoring of nematic molecules on magnetic particles surfaces in droplets.     

Solvophobic acceleration of Diels-Alder reactions in supercritical carbon dioxide

The rate of the Diels-Alder reaction between N-ethylmaleimide and 9-hydroxymethylanthracene in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2)) was determined by following the disappearance of 9-hydroxymethylanthracene with in situ UV/vis absorption spectroscopy. The reaction conditions were 45-75 degrees C and 90-190 bar, which correspond to fluid densities (based on pure carbon dioxide) ranging between approximately 340 and 730 kg m(-3). The measured reaction rate at low scCO(2) fluid densities was nearly 25x faster than that reported in acetonitrile at the same temperature (45 degrees C). An inverse relationship between reaction rate and fluid density/pressure was observed at all temperatures in scCO(2). The apparent activation volumes were large and positive (350 cm(3) mol(-1)) and only a weak function of reduced temperature. A solvophobic mechanism analogous to those observed in conventional solvents is postulated to describe (a) the rate acceleration observed for this reaction in scCO(2) relative to that in acetonitrile, (b) the observed relationship between reaction rate and pressure/temperature/density, and (c) the large, positive activation volumes. Solubility measurements in scCO(2), rate measurements in conventional solvents, and an empirical correlation are used to support this theory. Our results advance the general understanding of reactivity in supercritical fluids and provide a rationale for selecting reactions which can be accelerated when conducted in scCO(2).     

Comment on “Rheological Properties of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 35000): An Interpretation of a Negative Intrinsic Viscosity and a High Huggins Coefficient Value.” J. Macromol. Sci., Part B: Physics 2014 (53) 391”

It is shown that the recently reported negative intrinsic viscosity and the high Huggins coefficient value of polyethylene glycol (PEG 35000) water solutions [J. Macromol. Sci., Part B: Physics 2014, 53 (3) 391] is just the result of omitting some experimental data from the consideration. Viscometric studies, which we have performed on the PEG 35000 solutions, exclude an anomalous behavior of the viscosity and related quantities under the conditions of the discussed experiments.