Block copolymers of ethylene oxide and phenyl glycidyl ether: micellization, gelation, and drug solubilization

Three triblock copolymers of ethylene oxide and phenyl glycidyl ether, type E(m)G(n)E(m), where G = OCH2-CH(CH2OC6H5) and E = OCH2CH2, were synthesized and characterized by gel-permeation chromatography, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. Their association properties in aqueous solution were investigated by surface tensiometry and light scattering, yielding values of the critical micelle concentration (cmc), the hydrodynamic radius, and the association number. Gel boundaries in concentrated micellar solution were investigated by tube inversion, and for one copolymer, the temperature and frequency dependence of the dynamic moduli served to confirm and extend the phase diagram and to highlight gel properties. Small-angle X-ray scattering was used to investigate gel structure. The overall aim of the work was to define a block copolymer micellar system with better solubilization capacity for poorly soluble aromatic drugs than had been achieved so far by use of block copoly(oxyalkylene)s. Judged by the solubilization of griseofulvin in aqueous solutions of the E(m)G(n)E(m) copolymers, this aim was achieved.

Measuring ion temperatures and studying the ion energy balance in the high-latitude ionosphere

Data are presented for a nighttime ion heating event observed by the EISCAT radar on 16 December 1988. In the experiment, the aspect angle between the radar beam and the geomagnetic field was fixed at 54.7°, which avoids any ambiguity in derived ion temperature caused by anisotropy in the ion velocity distribution function. The data were analyzed with an algorithm which takes account of the non-Maxwellian line-of-sight ion velocity distribution. During the heating event, the derived spectral distortion parameter (D∗) indicated that the distribution function was highly distorted from a Maxwellian form when the ion drift increased to 4 km s−1. The true three-dimensional ion temperature was used in the simplified ion balance equation to compute the ion mass during the heating event. The ion composition was found to change from predominantly O4 to mainly molecular ions. A theoretical analysis of the ion composition, using the MSIS86 model and published values of the chemical rate coefficients, accounts for the order-of-magnitude increase in the atomic/molecular ion ratio during the event, but does not successfully explain the very high proportion of molecular ions that was observed.

In vivo determination of incorporated activity of Tc-99(m)-MDP in bone tissue

In vivo determination of the incorporated activity of Tc-99(m)-MDP (methylene diphosphonate) in bone tissue by means of a scintillation camera requires calibration of the device. This can be carried out by using an anthropomorphic physical phantom. In this work, a new human tibia and fibula phantom is presented to estimate incorporated activity to bone tissue. A tibia and a fibula, taken from a real skeleton, were used to develop the phantom. Images were acquired of the legs of 65 volunteers at different times of incorporation (minimum of 120 and maximum of 2500 min after injection) and count rates of such a region were obtained by means of a computer program. The calibration factor obtained was then used to assess the activity in the two bents. The final result is 0.4995 kBq per cpm for technetium. The proposed method can be used both for radiation protection purposes and for metabolism studies.

Photomorphogenic modulation of water stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.): the role of phytochromes A, B1, and B2

Phytochromes are red/far-red light photoreceptors that mediate a variety of photomorphogenic processes in plants, from germination to flowering. In addition, there is evidence that phytochromes are also part of the stress signalling response, especially in response to water deficit stress, which is the major abiotic factor limiting plant growth and crop productivity worldwide. In this study, we used the phyA (far red-insensitive; fri), phyB1 (temporary red-insensitive; tri) and phyB2 mutants of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to study the roles of these three phytochromes in drought stress responses. Compared to wild type (WT) plants grown under water-deficit stress conditions, the fri, tri, and phyB2 mutants did not exhibit altered dry weights, leaf areas, stomatal densities, or stomatal opening. The stomatal conductance of all three mutants was severely reduced under both fully-hydrated and water-deficit conditions. Although relative water contents did change after drought stress in each mutant, the most significant reduction in water potential during water stress was observed in the fri mutant. However, this mutant returned its water status to WT levels during rehydration. Although the phyB2 mutant lost more water from detached leaves during abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, phyB2 behaved like WT plants, indicating that this mutant was not insensitive to ABA. Overall, these results indicate that the phytochromes phyA, phyB1, and phyB2 modulate drought stress responses in tomato.

Dynamics of free and H-3-labelled glutamine concentrations during zygotic and somatic embryogenesis of Feijoa [Acca sellowiana (O. Berg.) Burret]

Amino acids play fundamental roles in plant morphogenesis. Among sources of organic nitrogen (N), glutamine has frequently been used during the establishment and maintenance of cell and tissue cultures. The aim of this study was analyse endogenous levels of glutamine during somatic and zygotic embryogenesis of Acca sellowiana (Feijoa or pineapple guava). The in vitro absorption of H-3-labelled glutamine was investigated. Zygotic embryos and embryogenic cultures (EC) were evaluated at 30 d and 70 d after explant inoculation onto the medium. Endogenous levels of glutamine were similar during zygotic and somatic embryogenesis, and showed a gradual decline until day-24 in culture. The highest rates of H-3-labelled glutamine uptake were observed during the first 2 h of incubation, resulting in values of 6.29 mu mol g(-1) fresh weight (FW) for zygotic embryos, 14.43 mu mol g(-1) FW for EC after 30 d, and 13.85 mu mol g(-1) FW for EC after 70 d. These results showed that the decreased levels of glutamine observed during the initial phase of development may be related to de novo protein synthesis and mobilisation during embryo maturation. The absorption of glutamine in the first 2 h of incubation also emphasises its involvement as an important source of N during morphogenesis of somatic and zygotic embryos.

Compatibilità aeronautica. Definizione dei vincoli fisici per le aree limitrofe all'Aeroporto "G. Marconi" di Bologna

Per garantire la sicurezza di tutte le operazioni in volo (avvicinamento, decollo, holding, ecc..) il decreto legge del 15 marzo del 2006 n. 151 ha imposto la redazione di opportune cartografie basate sul Regolamento ENAC per la Costruzione e l’Esercizio degli Aeroporti e sulla normativa internazionale ICAO così da poterle annettere agli Strumenti Urbanistici del territorio e governare lo sviluppo delle costruzioni. La sicurezza delle operazioni in volo è garantita attraverso delle Superfici di Delimitazione Ostacoli che impongono dei vincoli plano-altimetrici nelle aree limitrofe agli Aeroporti, quindi costruzioni, alberi e lo stesso terreno non devono forare queste superfici altrimenti diventerebbero “Ostacoli” alla navigazione aerea. Per gli ostacoli già presenti sono definiti dei provvedimenti da adottarsi in funzione della superficie che questi forano: potranno essere abbattuti se ricadenti in aree critiche come in prossimità delle piste oppure essere segnalati in mappe in uso ai piloti e anche con segnali visivi posizionati sugli stessi. Per quanto riguarda le future costruzioni, queste non potranno mai diventare Ostacolo in quanto sarà obbligatorio rispettare i vincoli plano-altimetrici. La tesi di laurea in questione vuole illustrare come si è arrivati alla redazione delle sopraccitate mappe nel caso specifico dell'Aeroporto Guglielmo Marconi di Bologna; sono analizzate nel primo capitolo le caratteristiche fisiche degli Aeroporti per acquisire una certa padronanza su termini tecnici che compaiono nei capitoli successivi (è inoltre presente un glossario). Nel secondo capitolo è individuato il percorso normativo che ha portato alla redazione dell’ultima revisione al Codice della Navigazione. Il capitolo 3 introduce le superfici di delimitazione ostacoli secondo quanto esposto nel Regolamento per la Costruzione e l’Esercizio degli Aeroporti di ENAC; il capitolo 4 è dedicato al lay-out dell’Aeroporto Guglielmo Marconi di Bologna. Infine la tesi si conclude con il capitoli 5 nel quale sono esposte le fasi e le metodologie usate per la realizzazione delle planimetrie e con il capitolo 6 in cui si discute delle problematiche sorte a causa dell’orografia del territorio che deve tenersi nella giusta considerazione per la definizione dei suddetti vincoli aeronautici.

Analisi e valutazione delle performance acustiche degli aeromobili nella fase di atterraggio

Nella tesi si analizzano le principali fonti del rumore aeronautico, lo stato dell'arte dal punto di vista normativo, tecnologico e procedurale. Si analizza lo stato dell'arte anche riguardo alla classificazione degli aeromobili, proponendo un nuovo indice prestazionale in alternativa a quello indicato dalla metodologia di certificazione (AC36-ICAO) Allo scopo di diminuire l'impatto acustico degli aeromobili in fase di atterraggio, si analizzano col programma INM i benefici di procedure CDA a 3° rispetto alle procedure tradizionali e, di seguito di procedure CDA ad angoli maggiori in termini di riduzione di lunghezza e di area delle isofoniche SEL85, SEL80 e SEL75.

Application of in vivo induced antigen technology (IVIAT) to Bacillus anthracis.

In vivo induced antigen technology (IVIAT) is an immuno-screening technique that identifies bacterial antigens expressed during infection and not during standard in vitro culturing conditions. We applied IVIAT to Bacillus anthracis and identified PagA, seven members of a N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase autolysin family, three P60 family lipoproteins, two transporters, spore cortex lytic protein SleB, a penicillin binding protein, a putative prophage holin, respiratory nitrate reductase NarG, and three proteins of unknown function. Using quantitative real-time PCR comparing RNA isolated from in vitro cultured B. anthracis to RNA isolated from BALB/c mice infected with virulent Ames strain B. anthracis, we confirmed induced expression in vivo for a subset of B. anthracis genes identified by IVIAT, including L-alanine amidases BA3767, BA4073, and amiA (pXO2-42); the bacteriophage holin gene BA4074; and pagA (pXO1-110). The exogenous addition of two purified putative autolysins identified by IVIAT, N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidases BA0485 and BA2446, to vegetative B. anthracis cell suspensions induced a species-specific change in bacterial morphology and reduction in viable bacterial cells. Many of the proteins identified in our screen are predicted to affect peptidoglycan re-modeling, and our results support significant cell wall structural remodeling activity during B. anthracis infection. Identification of L-alanine amidases with B. anthracis specificity may suggest new potential therapeutic targets.

Windham County, Connecticut, 1856 (Image 4 of 4) (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Map of Windham County, Connecticut, from actual survey by E.P. Gerrish, W.C. Eaton & D.S. & H.C. Osborn, 1855; lith by W.H. Rease. It was published by E.M. Woodford in 1856. Scale [ca. 1:42,240]. This layer is image 4 of 4 total images, representing the northwest portion of the four sheet source map.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Connecticut State Plane coordinate system (NAD 1983 in Feet) (Fipszone 0600). All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as roads, railroads, drainage, public buildings, schools, churches, cemeteries, industry locations (e.g. mills, factories, mines, etc.), private buildings with names of property owners, town boundaries, and more. Relief shown by hachures. It includes many cadastral insets of individual county towns and villages. It also includes illustrations, business directories, and tables of statistics and distances.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps of New England from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of regions, originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Berkshire Hills, Massachusetts, railway and highway map, 1883 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Railway and highway map of the famous Berkshire Hills region, showing also villages and points of interest, by Walter Watson, C.E. for the Berkshire Life Insurance Co. of Pittsfield, Mass., 1883. Scale [1:134,376]. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Massachusetts State Plane Coordinate System, Mainland Zone (in Feet) (Fipszone 2001). All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as main roads, railroads and railroad stations, drainage, mountains, schools, churches, cemeteries, town boundaries and more. Relief is shown by hachures and spot heights. Includes text and illustrations. This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps of Massachusetts from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of regions, originators, ground condition dates (1755-1922), scales, and purposes. The digitized selection includes maps of: the state, Massachusetts counties, town surveys, coastal features, real property, parks, cemeteries, railroads, roads, public works projects, etc.

Berkshire Hills, Massachusetts, railway and highway map, 1896 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Railway and highway map of the famous Berkshire Hills region : showing also villages and points of interest, by Walter Watson, C.E. for the Berkshire Life Insurance Co. of Pittsfield, Mass., 1883, corrected to 1896. Scale [1:134,376]. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Massachusetts State Plane Coordinate System, Mainland Zone (in Feet) (Fipszone 2001). All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as main roads, railroads and railroad stations, drainage, mountains, schools, churches, cemeteries, town boundaries and more. Relief is shown by hachures and spot heights. Includes text and illustrations. This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps of Massachusetts from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of regions, originators, ground condition dates (1755-1922), scales, and purposes. The digitized selection includes maps of: the state, Massachusetts counties, town surveys, coastal features, real property, parks, cemeteries, railroads, roads, public works projects, etc.