Laser light scattering of the molecular weight distribution of unfractionated phenolphthalein poly(aryl ether sulfone)

Two unfractionated samples of phenolphthalein poly( aryl ether sulfone) (PES-C) were characterized in CHCl3 at 25 degrees C by applying a recently developed laser light-scattering (LLS) procedure. The Laplace inversion of precisely measured intensity-intensity time correlation function lead us first to an estimate of the characteristic line-width distribution G(Gamma) and then to the translational diffusion coefficient distribution G(D). A combination of static and dynamic LLS results enabled us to determine D = (2.69 x 10(-4))M(-0.553), which agrees with the calibration of D = (2.45 x 10(-4))M(-0.55) previously established by a set of narrowly distributed PES-C samples. Using this newly obtained scaling between D and M, we were able to convert G(D) into a differential weight distribution f(w)(M) for the two PES-C samples. The weight-average molecular weights calculated from f(w)(M) are comparable to that obtained directly from static LLS. Our results showed that using two broadly distributed samples instead of a set of narrowly distributed samples have provided not only similar final results, but also a more practical method for the PES-C characterization. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

The effect of formulated molecular weight on temperature resistance and mechanical properties in polyimide based composites

This experimental study examines the role of formulated molecular weight between crosslink sites on the temperature resistance and mechanical properties of composites based on a polyimide containing a diphenyl thioether unit (PTI). The composites are fabricated by in situ polymerization of monomer reactants (PMR) using three monomeric ingredients: bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl) sulfide dianhydride (TDPA); 4,4'-methylene dianiline (MDA); and the monomethyl ester of norbornene anhydride (NE). By changing monomeric molar ratio, three formulations are prepared, in which formulated molecular weight between crosslink sites varies from 1487 to 3446 g mol(-1). Unidirectional composite laminates from each formulation and T300 carbon fibres are compression moulded and cut into a series of test specimens. By measuring the glass transition temperature (T-g), Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness (G(IC)) and other mechanical properties at room and elevated temperatures, the influences of formulated molecular weight on the temperature resistance and mechanical properties of PTI-based composites are investigated.

Dynamic light-scattering characterization of the molecular weight distribution of a broadly distributed phenolphthalein poly(aryl ether ketone)

Using a recently developed laser light-scattering (LLS) procedure, we accomplished the characterization of a broadly distributed unfractionated phenolphthalein poly(aryl ether ketone) (PEK-C) in CHCl3 at 25 degrees C. The laplace inversion of precisely measured intensity-intensity time correlation function from dynamic LLS leads us first to an estimate of the characteristic line-width distribution G(Gamma) and then to the translational diffusion coefficient distribution G(D). By using a previously established calibration of D (cm(2)/s) = 2.37 X 10(-4)M(-0.57), were able to convert G(D) into a differential weight distribution f(w)(M). The weight-average molecular weight M(w) calculated from f(w)(M) agrees well with that directly measured in static LLS. Our results indicate that both the calibration and LLS procedure used in this study are ready to be applied as a routine method for the characterization of the molecular weight distribution of PEK-C. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

EFFECT OF IRRADIATION ON CRYSTALLINITY AND MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF ULTRAHIGH MOLECULAR-WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been irradiated (0-40 Mrad) with a Co-60 source at room temperature under vacuum. The crystallinity has been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The mechanical properties have been determined at room temperature. A significant increase of heat of fusion can be seen at low irradiation doses, which is attributed to crystallization, caused by chain scission during the process of irradiation. It is also observed that the thickness of the lamellae changes with irradiation dose. The Young's modulus has been improved significantly after irradiation at low doses. (C) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

STUDIES ON RADIATION-INDUCED LOSS OF WEIGHT OF A COPOLYMER OF TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE AND HEXAFLUOROPROPYLENE

The radiation-induced loss of weight of F-46 was found to be proportional to irradiation dose and affected markedly by irradiation temperature.

MOLECULAR-WEIGHT DEPENDENCE OF THE GLASS-TRANSITION OF CYCLIC POLYSTYRENE

The glass transition temperature (T(g)) of cyclic polystyrene was measured by differential scanning calorimetry. There was a marked difference in the glass transition behaviour between cyclic and linear polystyrene. In the low molecular weight region (M(n) < 5 x 10(3)), the T(g) of the cyclic polystyrene increased with decreasing M(n), contrary to that of linear polystyrene. With M(n) higher than 5 x 10(3), the T(g) of cyclic polystyrene increased with increasing M(n). The T(g) of cyclic and linear polystyrene approached the same constant value when the M(n) was high enough (M(n) > 10(5)). Combining the results of specific volume, it is believed that the variation of T(g) with molecular weight does not depend only on free volume effects but that configurational entropy is also an important factor.

EFFECT OF MOLECULAR-WEIGHT OF PMMA ON BETA PHASE CRYSTALLIZATION IN HIGHLY ORIENTED PVF2 FILMS

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVF_2) exhibits at least four crystalline phases (α, β, γ, and δ). Among them, β phase is the most important one because it is directly related to the piezoand pyro-electric activities of PVF_2. In recent years, more attention has been paid to the β

DRY-WEIGHT AND CHEMICAL-COMPOSITION (CHN) IN RELATION TO POPULATION-DENSITY OF CULTIVATED TISBE-HOLOTHURIAE (COPEPODA, HARPACTICOIDA)

CARBON

Inhibitory effects and mechanisms of high molecular-weight phlorotannins from Sargassum thunbergii on ADP-induced platelet aggregation

We evaluated the effects of high molecular-weight phlorotannins from Sargassum thunbergii (STP) on ADP-induced platelet aggregation and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism in New Zealand white rabbits and Wistar rats. The inhibition of STP on platelet aggregation was investigated using a turbidimetric method, and the levels of the terminal products of AA metabolism were measured using the corresponding kits for maleic dialdehyde (MDA), thromboxane B-2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F-1 alpha (6-keto-PGF(1 alpha)) by colorimetry and radioimmunoassay, as appropriate. We found that STP could inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation, and the inhibitory ratio was 91.50% at the STP concentration of 4.0 mg/mL. Furthermore, STP markedly affected AA metabolism by decreasing the synthesis of MDA (P < 0.01) and increasing the synthesis of 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha), thus changing the plasma TXB2/6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) balance when the platelets were activated (P < 0.01). Therefore, STP altered AA metabolism and these findings

Using otolith weight to predict the age of Pennahia macrocephalus in the mouth of the Beibu Gulf

The relation between otolith weight (OW) and the age of marine fish is studied. A total of 222 individuals of bighead white croaker, Pennahia macrocephalus were sampled seasonally in the mouth of the Beibu Gulf, the South China Sea, in 2007. Since there are no significant differences in sagittal OW between otolith in pairs (Pa parts per thousand yen0.05), the undamaged left sagittal otolith is used for age determination. The highest correlations among standard length, OW and fish ages are confirmed by linear, exponential and multinomial regression. Results show that sagittal OW overlaps only occasionally among age groups, and to individuals with similar standard length, the older and slower-growing fish has a heavier otolith because of the continued otolith material deposition. There are differences in sagittal OW among different age groups and significant positive linear relationship with age (P < 0.05). The age readings can be verified by plotting the sagittal OW versus the standard length for age groups, and the individuals with similar standard length but in different ages can be separated by sagittal OW frequency analysis. Mostly, the predicted ages using the regression between sagittal OW and ages are closed to the observed ages by counting annulus on scale. It indicates that the sagittal OW analysis is a useful technique for validating the accuracy of age determination by annuli counts, especially for individuals of similar size. Furthermore, the technique is applied for Pennahia macrocephalus with discussion in this paper.

Cultivation of the brown alga Hizikia fusiformis (Harvey) Okamura: enhanced seedling production in tumbled culture

The reuse of holdfasts for regeneration of young seedlings or using wild juvenile plants as the seedling source has played the major role in commercial cultivation of the brown alga Hizikia fusiformis in East Asia over the past 20 years. The possibility of employing zygote-derived germlings for producing seedlings has been discussed in the literature, but has not yet become a reality. Three main obstacles have limited the use of zygotes as a main source of seedlings, (1) the dioecious nature of the algal life cycle which may lead to asynchronous male and female receptacle development and thus different timing of egg and spermatozoa expulsion, (2) the low attachment rate when using zygote-derived germlings with developed rhizoids from wild parental plants for seeding production, and (3) the problem of culturing young germlings in regions where water temperature is high in summer. In this investigation, shifting the timing of receptacle formation earlier than in nature was performed by tumbling the algae in a long-day tank (16-h light per day). Synchronization of egg and spermatozoa expulsion and thereafter fertilization were conducted in indoor tanks. Receptacle formation in constant long days could be shifted by 20 days earlier than in plants cultured on long lines in the open sea, or I month earlier than in plants growing on intertidal rocks. Synchronized expulsion of eggs and spermatozoon led to a high rate of fertilization. This was achieved by tumbling the male and female receptacle-bearing branchlets in the same tank at low density in high irradiance. In two independent trials, a total of 1,400,000 zygote-derived germlings were obtained from 620 g (fresh weight) female sporophytes. The germlings shed from the receptacles were at an identical developmental stage indicating high synchronization of expulsion of eggs and spermatozoon followed by fertilization. Approximately 63% ( +/-9.6%) of the germlings were shed from the receptacle between 16 and 24 It after fertilization and 20% ( +/-11.9%) remained on the receptacle for 3 days after fertilization. Germlings were seeded on string collectors before rhizoids started to elongate and the attachment efficiency was enhanced. Young seedlings reached 800 ( +/-50) mum in length in 25 days at 25 degreesC before they were transferred to open sea cultivation. These results provide the basis of a practical way of seedling production by use of zygote-derived germlings in the commercial cultivation of Hizikia fusiformis. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

Effect of light period on egg-discharge of gametophyte clones of Undaria pinnatifida (Phaeophyta)

A sporeling culture method using gametophyte clones developed in the early 1990s led to egg discharge occurring in the dark 5 min after the start of the dark period under growth under a 11:13 L-D photoperiod. The course of egg discharge could be disturbed by light, with irradiance as low as 5-6 mu mol photon m(-2) s(-1) causing 75-80% of the discharged eggs to detach from the oogonia and consequently to die within several hours. In order to enhance outgrowth rate of young sporophytes, a study was conducted to test the effect of controlling darkness in the period 2-3 h after dusk. When the slides were transferred from the standard 11:13 L-D regime to continuous light, eggs were discharged 5 min after the end of the light phase and peaked 5-l5 min later on first day after transfer, indicating that the female gametes "remember" the light-dark regime. This suggests the existence of an endogenous circadian rhythm. During the second and third days, very few eggs were discharged throughout the 11 h of the normal light phase of the L-D regime, indicating the inhibitory effect of continuous light and that the rhtyhm is easily damped by light.

Inhibition of mouse liver lipid peroxidation by high molecular weight phlorotannins from Sargassum kjellmanianum

The inhibitory effects of high molecular weight phlorotannins (HMP) from Sargassum kjellmanianum on mouse liver lipid peroxidation were investigated by spectrophotometric methods. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver samples was measured by TBA (thiobarbituric acid) assay. It showed that HMP significantly inhibited the generation of MDA in vivo and in situations induced by CCl4 and Fe2+-Vc ( ascorbic acid), and significantly decreased membrane swelling of mouse liver mitochondria, compared with controls ( p < 0.01). HMP were found to have strong anti-oxidative activity in inhibiting mouse liver lipid peroxidation.

Feeding and egg production of the planktonic copepod Calanus sinicus in spring and autumn in the Yellow Sea, China

Shipboard incubations were conducted in spring (April) and autumn (October/November) 2006 to measure the feeding and egg production rates (EPR) of Calanus sinicus in the Yellow Sea, China. The ingestion rate (2.08-11.46 and 0.26-3.70 mu g C female(-1) day(-1) in spring and autumn, respectively) was positively correlated with microplankton carbon concentrations. In the northern part of the Yellow Sea, feeding on microplankton easily covers the respiratory and production requirements, whereas in the southern part in spring and in the frontal zone in autumn, C. sinicus must ingest alternative food sources. Low ingestion rates, no egg production and the dominance of the fifth copepodite (CV) stage indicated that C. sinicus was in quiescence inside the Yellow Sea Cold Bottom Water (YSCBW) area in autumn. Calanus sinicus ingested ciliates preferentially over other components of the microplankton. The EPR (0.16-12.6 eggs female(-1) day(-1) in spring and 11.4 eggs female(-1) day(-1) at only one station in autumn) increased with ciliate standing stock. Gross growth efficiency (GGE) was 13.4% (3-39%) in spring, which was correlated with the proportion of ciliates in the diet. These results indicate that ciliates have higher nutrient quality than other food items, but the low GGE indicates that the diet of C. sinicus is nutritionally incomplete.