Simulation of structure formation in disperse systems

The main rules governing the redistribution of microparticles in disperse systems were revealed by computer simulation. These rules predetermine the character and properties of the structure being formed, which opens up the possibility to control the properties of disperse materials, including sorbents and catalysts based on high-dispersity solid phases.     

Co-activation of Gi and Gq proteins exerts synergistic effect on human platelet aggregation through activation of phospholipase C and Ca2+ signalling pathways

Our previous studies have shown that subthreshold concentrations of two platelet agonists exert synergistic effects on platelet aggregation. Here we studied the mechanism of synergistic interaction of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and epinephrine mediated platelet aggregation. We show that 5-HT had no or little effect on aggregation but it did potentiate the aggregation response of epinephrine. The synergistic interaction of 5-HT (1-5 microM) and epinephrine (0.5-2 microM) was inhibited by alpha2-adrenoceptor blocker (yohimbine; IC50= 0.4 microM), calcium channel blockers (verapamil and diltiazem with IC50 of 10 and 48 mM, respectively), PLC inhibitor (U73122; IC50=6 microM) and nitric oxide (NO) donor, SNAP (IC50=1.6 microM)). The data suggest that synergistic effects of platelet agonists are receptor-mediated and occur through multiple signalling pathways including the activation PLC/Ca2+ signalling cascades.     

Photocatalytic TiO2 Coatings: Effect of Substrate and Template

Summary. Transparent TiO₂ films with a high photodegradation activity towards an azo dye in aqueous solution were prepared by sol–gel processing. Films on soda–lime glass supports protected with a thin silica barrier layer exhibited better crystallization and monodisperse nanoparticles, higher absorption of light below 370 nm, and higher photocatalytic activity than those films deposited on bare glass supports proving the detrimental effect of interdiffused sodium ions on the development of the anatase nanostructure. The effect of substrate was more pronounced in thinner films (300 nm) than in thicker ones (1200 nm), which were achieved by adding a template (i.e. Pluronic F127) to the sol.     

Determination of bromide by low power surfatron microwave induced plasma after bromine continuous generation

A simple continuous flow generation of volatile bromine is described for the determination of low concentrations of the elements by atmospheric-pressure argon microwave induced plasma (MIP) surfatron. Bromine is continuously generated by mixing the bromide with sulphuric acid and hypochlorite solutions. The bromine vapor is separated from the aqueous phase by a gas-liquid separator and is desiccated by passing it through concentrated sulphuric acid. The detection limit attained was 2 microg/l. and the precision was +/-0.7% (at the 80 microg/l. level). The proposed determination is very selective if oxidizing/reducing agents are absent. The procedure has been tested for bromide determination in two drug preparations. Good agreement between the experimental results and the certified values has been obtained.     

Photocatalytic TiO2 Coatings: Effect of Substrate and Template

Transparent TiO₂ films with a high photodegradation activity towards an azo dye in aqueous solution were prepared by sol–gel processing. Films on soda–lime glass supports protected with a thin silica barrier layer exhibited better crystallization and monodisperse nanoparticles, higher absorption of light below 370 nm, and higher photocatalytic activity than those films deposited on bare glass supports proving the detrimental effect of interdiffused sodium ions on the development of the anatase nanostructure. The effect of substrate was more pronounced in thinner films (300 nm) than in thicker ones (1200 nm), which were achieved by adding a template (i.e. Pluronic F127) to the sol.     

Synthesis of tetrahydrofurans via silicon promoted Pummerer type reaction

A novel, unprecedented transformation of δ-hydroxysulfoxides into substituted tetrahydrofurans by a silicon promoted Pummerer type reaction is disclosed. The transformation is shown to be general and is brought about under very mild reaction conditions. The products with the sulfide group at the anomeric carbon provide a suitable handle to carry out further transformations.     

Modular and stereoselective formal synthesis of MeBmt, an unusual amino acid constituent of cyclosporin A

A convergent, flexible and stereoselective formal synthesis of MeBmt, the nonproteinogenic amino acid constituent of cyclosporin A is disclosed. The sulfinyl moiety has been exploited as the internal nucleophile to stereo- and regioselectively functionalize an allylic carbamate.     

A calorimetric study of the enthalpy of enzymatic hydrolysis of components of a product from vegetable raw materials for enteral feeding

The enthalpy of hydrolysis of potato starch and some starch-containing components of Lider-1 nutrition product for enteral (tube) feeding in the presence of α-amylase enzyme was studied on a DAK-1-1 differential microcalorimeter.     

Calorimetric determination of solubility of water in pectin and physical state diagram of a pectin-water system

For the mixtures of pectin of different esterification degrees and water, heat capacities in the range of 80–320 K have been measured, and DTA measurements have been carried out in the range 80–450 K. The effect of water on the physical transitions of pectin has been studied, and the solubility of water in pectins of different esterification degrees at the temperature of melting of a liquid component has been determined. On the basis on the experimental data, the physical state diagram of the pectin-water system has been constructed and analyzed for the whole range of component concentrations within a wide temperature interval.