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The Primary Electroviscous Effect in Polystyrene Latices of Small Particle Size Range Prepared with the Addition of Anionic Surfactant as Emulsifier. Effect of Increasing Concentrations of Quaternary Ammonium Counterions of Different Ionic Sizes and Stability Characteristic of the Latices and the Latex-Electrolyte Mixtures.

Polystyrene latices were prepared by the emulsion polymerization method using hydrogen peroxide as an initiator and sodium dodecyl sulfate as the emulsifying agent. Latices of different particle sizes were prepared by the seeded growth technique. The particle size and its frequency distribution were determined by electron microscope. The viscosities and electrophoretic mobilities of the latex and latex:added electrolyte mixtures were measured in the presence of gradually increasing concentrations of quaternary ammonium counterions of different ionic sizes. The zeta-potentials were calculated by the computational method of Wiersema-Loeb- Overbeek (WLO); the surface charge densities sigma were calculated by the method of Loeb-Wiersema-Overbeek (LWO). The primary electroviscous effects were calculated by using the Booth equation. The free energies of adsorption Delta&Gmacr;ads of the counterions on the particle surface were calculated. The stability characteristic of the latices and latex-added electrolyte mixtures has been studied on the basis of the DLVO theory. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗

Particle size distribution of lipoproteins from human atherosclerotic plaque: a preliminary report.

It is commonly believed that low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) carry cholesterol into the artery wall. In addition, some epidemiologic studies have suggested that triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, such as very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs), may be much less important than LDLs in atherogenesis. To determine if VLDLs or their metabolic remnants could have a direct role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, we examined lipoproteins isolated from endarterectomy specimens. Atherosclerotic plaque was obtained from eight subjects who underwent aortoiliac endarterectomy (4), aortic aneurysm repair (2), or visceral/renal endarterectomy (2). Plaques were washed extensively, minced, and incubated with a buffered saline solution. Lipoproteins were recovered from this solution via a selected-immunoaffinity column by means of a polyclonal antibody to human LDL (apolipoprotein B-100). Particle sizing from electron photomicrographs of negatively stained specimens indicated that 8% of the lipoprotein particles were the size of plasma VLDL (350 to 800 nm). Thirty-six percent were the size of plasma VLDL remnant particles (250 to 350 nm), and 56% were consistent in size with plasma LDL (175 to 250 nm). We conclude that VLDL- and VLDL remnant-sized particles appear to comprise a significant percentage of the lipoproteins found in human atherosclerotic plaque and could have a direct role in the atherosclerotic process.

Aged↗

Distortion of genetically modified organism quantification in processed foods: influence of particle size compositions and heat-induced DNA degradation.

Milling fractions from conventional and transgenic corn were prepared at laboratory scale and used to study the influence of sample composition and heat-induced DNA degradation on the relative quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in food products. Particle size distributions of the obtained fractions (coarse grits, regular grits, meal, and flour) were characterized using a laser diffraction system. The application of two DNA isolation protocols revealed a strong correlation between the degree of comminution of the milling fractions and the DNA yield in the extracts. Mixtures of milling fractions from conventional and transgenic material (1%) were prepared and analyzed via real-time polymerase chain reaction. Accurate quantification of the adjusted GMO content was only possible in mixtures containing conventional and transgenic material in the form of analogous milling fractions, whereas mixtures of fractions exhibiting different particle size distributions delivered significantly over- and underestimated GMO contents depending on their compositions. The process of heat-induced nucleic acid degradation was followed by applying two established quantitative assays showing differences between the lengths of the recombinant and reference target sequences (A, deltal(A) = -25 bp; B, deltal(B) = +16 bp; values related to the amplicon length of the reference gene). Data obtained by the application of method A resulted in underestimated recoveries of GMO contents in the samples of heat-treated products, reflecting the favored degradation of the longer target sequence used for the detection of the transgene. In contrast, data yielded by the application of method B resulted in increasingly overestimated recoveries of GMO contents. The results show how commonly used food technological processes may lead to distortions in the results of quantitative GMO analyses.

DNA, Plant↗

Cotton dust concentrations and particle size distributions associated with genotypes.

The problem of byssinosis has plagued cotton textile mills for hundreds of years, and it is still a problem today. With the regulations on airborne raw cotton dust set by OSHA and the ACGIH, research regarding the measurement of cotton dust in lint fiber is a necessity. A procedure known as the mass concentration particle size distribution (MCPSD) technique, developed at Texas A&M University, was used to measure the characteristics of cotton dust as affected by harvesting method and genotype. Cotton genotypes from three harvest seasons were analyzed by using a Coulter Counter, Model TAII, to obtain the mass concentrations and particle size distributions of dust present in the lint fiber. The genotypes were subjected to both hand harvesting and conventional spindle harvesting for comparison purposes. Results from the dust concentration analyses of particles less than 100 micron, 16 micron, and 8 micron in diameter, respectively, are presented. Also, a proposed procedure to obtain large quantities of "cotton dust" from gin trash material is discussed.

Byssinosis↗

Effect of particle size of metastable calcium phosphates on mechanical strength of a novel self-setting bioactive calcium phosphate cement.

Resistance to compressive strength after setting of the calcium phosphate cement consisting of tetracalcium phosphate (TECP), dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), and 40 wt/wt% of a synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAP) was tested. An equimolar mixture of the calcium phosphate powder containing DCPD (particle diameter [D] 0.52-3.33 microns) and TECP (D, 1.1-13.1 microns) transformed into HAP at 37 degrees C, 100% RH after being mixed with 25 mM phosphoric acid. X-ray diffraction suggested that the cement containing fine particles of DCPD and TECP completely transformed to HAP, but that mixtures containing larger particles did not. Because particle size of both DCPD and TECP affected the compressive strength of the cement, the crystal growth of HAP during cement formation depended on the specific surface area (Sw) of the raw materials. The crystallite size of transformed HAP was estimated based on X-ray diffraction peaks at 25.8 and 32.8 degrees attributable to the 002 and 300 planes. The crystalline size attributable to the 300 plane decreased with increasing Sw, but that attributable to the 002 plane showed no significant relationship. The compressive strength of the cement after hardening increased with an increase of its Sw. This suggested that the harder calcium phosphate cement was (derived) from the smaller particle size of the raw materials.

Bone Cements↗

Experimental tularemia in Macaca mulatta: relationship of aerosol particle size to the infectivity of airborne Pasteurella tularensis.

Ninety-six Macaca mulatta were exposed to aerosol particles containing Pasteurella tularensis. Four different aerosols were employed that contained particle size distributions with median diameters of 2.1, 7.5, 12.5, or 24.0 mum. Size distributions were calculated only for those particles observed by phase microscope to contain organisms. Animals exposed to particles whose median diameters were either 2.1 or 7.5 mum were all infected and showed extensive infection of the lower respiratory tract, evidenced by large patches of consolidation with many necrotic foci on the surface. Death occurred in these animals 4 to 8 days after exposure. Monkeys exposed to 12.5- or 24.0-mum median diameter particles presented involvement of the cervical and mandibular lymph nodes, evidenced by swelling and abscess formation. Thirty-eight of the 45 animals in this group were infected. Those animals succumbing to the disease died from 8 to 21 days after exposure. The respiratory LD(50) values increased from 14 to 4,447 cells as the median diameter was raised from 2.1 to 24.0 mum.

Aerosols↗

Sorption of sulfonamide pharmaceutical antibiotics on whole soils and particle-size fractions.

Residues of pharmaceutical antibiotics are found in the environment, whose fate and effects are governed by sorption. Thus, the extent and mechanisms of the soil sorption of p-aminobenzoic acid and five sulfonamide antibiotics (sulfanilamide, sulfadimidine, sulfadiazine, sulfadimethoxine, and sulfapyridine) were investigated using topsoils of fertilized and unfertilized Chernozem and their organic-mineral particle-size fractions. Freundlich adsorption coefficients (K(f)) ranged from 0.5 to 6.5. Adsorption increased with aromaticity and electronegativity of functional groups attached to the sulfonyl-phenylamine core. Adsorption to soil and particle-size fractions increased in the sequence: coarse silt < whole soil < medium silt < sand < clay < fine silt and was influenced by pH. Sorption nonlinearity (1/n </= 0.76) indicated specific interactions with functional groups of soil organic matter (SOM). Phenolic and carboxylic groups, N-heterocyclic compounds, and lignin decomposition products were tentatively assigned as preferred binding sites using statistical analysis of pyrolysis-mass spectra and adsorption coefficients. Adsorption of sulfonamides to mineral soil colloids was weaker and resulted in a stronger desorption from clay-size fractions. Moreover, steric accessibility of organic-mineral complexes in clay-size fractions was significantly reduced. With a quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) model, combining the organic carbon concentration, the sulfonamides' chromatographic capacity factor (k'), and nondissociated species concentration (CF(a)), distribution coefficients (K(d)) were estimated with a cross-validated regression coefficient Q(2) = 0.71. Modeling and molecular mechanics calculations of antibiotic-SOM complexes showed preferred site-specific sorption via hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions. Distinct chemical structural properties, such as aromaticity and van der Waals volumes, correlated with the sorption data.

Adsorption↗

[The fractal characteristics of particle size distribution and conservation relationship].

Using a microscopic technique, the characteristics of particle size distribution of Al-humic flocs were studied. The results showed that Al-humic floc size followed a lognormal distribution. By introducing the lognormal distribution and fractal dimension into the fundamental kinetic equation of flocculation, a conservation relationship was obtained between the total number of particles, average floc volume and standard deviation of floc size distribution. Significance of the relation can greatly simplify the complicated procedure of kinetic analysis and enable a more accurate evaluation of floc size distribution.

Aluminum↗

Micrometer-scale particle sizing by laser diffraction: critical impact of the imaginary component of refractive index.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of the imaginary component of the refractive index on laser diffraction particle size data for pharmaceutical samples. METHODS: Excipient particles 1-5 microm in diameter (irregular morphology) were measured by laser diffraction. Optical parameters were obtained and verified based on comparison of calculated vs. actual particle volume fraction. RESULTS: Inappropriate imaginary components of the refractive index can lead to inaccurate results, including false peaks in the size distribution. For laser diffraction measurements, obtaining appropriate or "effective" imaginary components of the refractive index was not always straightforward. When the recommended criteria such as the concentration match and the fit of the scattering data gave similar results for very different calculated size distributions, a supplemental technique, microscopy with image analysis, was used to decide between the alternatives. Use of effective optical parameters produced a good match between laser diffraction data and microscopy/image analysis data. CONCLUSIONS: The imaginary component of the refractive index can have a major impact on particle size results calculated from laser diffraction data. When performed properly, laser diffraction and microscopy with image analysis can yield comparable results.

Excipients↗

Determination of cloud effective particle size from the multiple-scattering effect on lidar integration-method temperature measurements.

A method is presented that permits the determination of the cloud effective particle size from Raman- or Rayleigh-integration temperature measurements that exploits the dependence of the multiple-scattering contributions to the lidar signals from heights above the cloud on the particle size of the cloud. Independent temperature information is needed for the determination of size. By use of Raman-integration temperatures, the technique is applied to cirrus measurements. The magnitude of the multiple-scattering effect and the above-cloud lidar signal strength limit the method's range of applicability to cirrus optical depths from 0.1 to 0.5. Our work implies that records of stratosphere temperature obtained with lidar may be affected by multiple scattering in clouds up to heights of 30 km and beyond.

Journal Article↗

Evaluation of particle size distribution of albuterol sulfate hydrofluoroalkane administered via metered-dose inhaler with and without valved holding chambers.

BACKGROUND: Administration of inhaled medications via metered-dose inhaler (MDI) to pediatric patients younger than 4 years usually requires use of a holding chamber or spacer with an attached face mask. OBJECTIVE: To determine the particle size distribution and overall dose of albuterol from the albuterol sulfate hydrofluoroalkane delivered in conjunction with 2 US-marketed valved holding chambers (VHCs) compared with the dose delivered via MDIs without VHCs. METHODS: Cascade impaction methods with high-performance liquid chromatography were used to evaluate the fine particle mass (FPM) of albuterol administered without and with the use of 2 commercially available VHCs. RESULTS: Particle size distributions for the 2 VHCs and the control were similar. The mean FPM values for the 2 VHCs and the control were 32, 28, and 30 microg, respectively. Statistical comparison of the FPM shows a similar profile when differences from the albuterol hydrofluoroalkane without a spacer were evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro results obtained under these test conditions demonstrate that all the FPM values for the VHCs tested were within 15% of the control range, a difference that is unlikely to be clinically meaningful. These results do not warrant a change in the recommended dose of albuterol hydrofluoroalkane administered when using the VHCs tested. The use of an MDI in conjunction with a VHC provides a reasonable therapeutic approach for administration of albuterol hydrofluoroalkane to young children and other patients who have difficulty administering the MDI alone.

Albuterol↗

Particle size distribution and PAH concentrations of incense smoke in a combustion chamber.

The particle size distribution and the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in incense smoke were studied using a custom-designed combustion chamber. Among the nine types of incense investigated, the particle and the total PAH emission factors varied significantly. The average mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of the smoke aerosol was 262+/-49nm, which positively correlated to particle emission factor (mg/stick, p<0.05). Coagulation was a major mechanism that dictates the MMAD of the smoke. The total toxic equivalency (the sum of the benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration) of the solid-phase PAHs (S-PAHs) was over 40 times higher than that of the corresponding gas-phase PAHs, indicating that the S-PAHs in incense smoke may pose potential health risk. Experiments show that each lowered percentage of total carbon content in the raw incense helped decrease the particle emission factor by 2.6mg/g-incense, and the reduction of S-PAH emission factor ranged from 8.7 to 26% when the carbon content was lowered from 45 to 40%.

Air Pollutants↗

Effects of source and particle size on the biological availability of calcium in calcium supplements for growing pigs.

Five experiments were conducted to determine the biological availability of the Ca in high-Ca (calcitic) limestone, dolomitic limestone, oyster shell flour, gypsum, marble dust and aragonite for the growing pig, and to determine the influence of particle size of the Ca source on the bioavailability of Ca. A low-Ca, fortified, corn soybean meal basal diet calculated to contain .2% Ca and .6% P was used. This diet was supplemented with 0 or .3% Ca from either CaCO3 precipitate (the standard) or the test source of Ca. Diets were fed on an ad libitum basis to three to eight replicate pens of pigs (one or two/pen) for 35 to 42 d. Average initial weight of the pigs was 15 kg. At the end of each experiment the pigs were killed, the third and fourth metacarpals and metatarsals and the femurs were removed, and breaking strength and ash were determined. The increase in bone strength from feeding the test source of Ca relative to the increase in bone strength from feeding the CaCO3 standard was used to calculate the relative availability of Ca in the supplements. The bioavailability of Ca in calcitic limestone (two sources), oyster shell flour, gypsum, marble dust and aragonite was similar, ranging from 93 to 102%. However, the Ca in two sources of dolomitic limestone was less available (51 and 78%) than in the other sources. Particle size of the Ca sources (geometric mean diameter of .10 to .54 mm) did not influence the availability of Ca.

Animals↗

Low density lipoprotein interaction with artery derived proteoglycan: the influence of LDL particle size and the relationship to atherosclerosis susceptibility.

An in vitro binding system was used to determine whether increases in LDL particle size and altered LDL chemical composition accompanying increased plasma cholesterol concentrations result in greater association of LDL with artery proteoglycan (PG) and whether the binding is related to atherosclerosis. LDL isolated from hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis-susceptible White Carneau and resistant Show Racer pigeons was complexed to purified White Carneau pigeon aorta-derived high molecular weight PG under conditions whereby PG monomers were saturated. Using LDL of molecular weight greater than 5.0 x 10(6) daltons from both pigeon breeds, an inverse correlation between LDL size and the number of LDL particles bound per micrograms PG was demonstrated (r = 0.87, P less than 0.01). This relationship was attributed to the increased size of the LDL particle rather than any modification in chemical composition known to occur when LDL size increases, suggesting the major effect was attributed to steric hindrance. White Carneau pigeons with high molecular weight LDL had more severe atherosclerosis and the PG-LDL complexes contained excess cholesterol but no relationship was seen between atherosclerosis and number of LDL complexed. In animals with LDL between 3.6 x 10(6) and 4.8 x 10(6) daltons, considerable variability in PG binding was apparent, but this also was not related to LDL chemical composition. In this group of pigeons, which were all White Carneau, the positive relationship of PG-LDL binding and aorta cholesterol concentration was significant (r = 0.67, P less than 0.05). These results suggest that factors other than chemical composition (perhaps surface charge or apoprotein conformation changes) influence PG-LDL binding and that the assessment of PG-LDL binding is useful in predicting atherosclerosis in animals that do not respond to hypercholesterolemia by increasing LDL size.

Animals↗

Preparation of microparticles by micromixers: characterization of oil/water process and prediction of particle size.

PURPOSE: A descriptive model for microparticle preparation by micromixers was developed to allow prediction of nascent microsphere size and provide a better understanding of a microscale oil/water (O/W) emulsion process. METHODS: Nascent blank microparticles were prepared by an O/W emulsion method using a micromixer. Seven dimensionless groups were derived from the relevant process parameters. A multiple linear regression model was established on an empirical basis to describe the relationship between the key process parameters and the resulting Sauter particle diameter. RESULTS: The investigated micromixer is particularly suitable for processing of low-viscosity systems. The particle size is mainly controlled by flow velocity. Reynolds number and the viscosity ratio were found to be the most important dimensionless groups regarding the preparation procedure. Particle size was predicted with an accuracy up to 100% applying the empirically derived equations. CONCLUSIONS: An O/W process using micromixers for microparticle preparation with a multitude of influencing parameters was successfully characterized by application of dimensional analysis. Dimensionless groups turned out to be suitable for prediction of microparticle size with high precision.

Microspheres↗

Transdermal estradiol reduces plasma myeloperoxidase levels without affecting the LDL resistance to oxidation or the LDL particle size.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the effects of different therapeutic range doses of transdermal estradiol (E(2)), alone or in combination with progesterone (P) or medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), on plasma lipoprotein levels and on three parameters related with LDL oxidizability, the resistance of LDL to oxidation by copper, the LDL particle size, and the myeloperoxidase levels. DESIGN: Thirty-five healthy postmenopausal women who had been amenorrheic for at least 1 year received two consecutive, 2-month doses of transdermal estrogen (25-microg and 50-microg E(2) patch). Thereafter, they were randomly assigned to receive a 2-month treatment of either a 100-microg E(2) patch or a 50-microg E(2) patch combined with P (300 mg/day) or MPA (5 mg/day) during the last 14 days. RESULTS: Neither transdermal E(2) alone nor transdermal E(2) plus progestogen modified the lipoprotein profile, the LDL resistance to oxidation, or the LDL particle size. However, all treatments similarly reduced the myeloperoxidase protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: Different dosages of transdermal E(2) within the therapeutic range were equally effective in reducing myeloperoxidase protein levels. The effect remained after addition of P or MPA in a sequential regime.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Nutrient intake comparisons between Framingham and rural and Urban Puriscal, Costa Rica. Associations with lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, and low density lipoprotein particle size.

To assess cross-cultural relations between dietary intake and plasma lipoproteins, we randomly selected 222 men and 243 women from the urban and rural areas of Puriscal, Costa Rica; related their dietary composition (assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire), fitness level, and body fat to plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size; and compared these data with those from a subsample of 280 adults from the Framingham Offspring Study. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly (p less than 0.0001) higher in Framingham (207 and 137 mg/dl, respectively) than in Puriscal (184 and 114 mg/dl, respectively) residents. Elevated triglyceride and apolipoprotein (apo) B levels (25% and 16% higher), low HDL cholesterol and apo A-I levels (12% and 29% lower), and smaller LDL particles (17%) were more frequent in Puriscal than in Framingham residents. Urban Puriscal residents had a significantly lower fitness level; increased body fat, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels; decreased HDL cholesterol in men; and higher apo B levels in women compared with rural Puriscal residents. Body fat, animal fat, and saturated fat intakes were significantly correlated with total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apo B levels in both men and women in Puriscal. Intakes of protein and animal fat were higher among urban (10.7% and 14.1%, respectively) compared with rural (8.9% and 9.9%, respectively) Puriscal residents and in Framingham (16.0% and 20.8%, respectively) compared with Puriscal residents. No significant differences were found in dietary cholesterol. Saturated fat (largely from palm oil in Puriscal) intakes were significantly different among the three groups: rural Puriscal, 10.7% of calories; urban Puriscal, 11.6%; and Framingham residents, 12.9%. These data indicate that the more atherogenic plasma lipid profile among urban compared with Puriscal residents was largely explained by increased adiposity, decreased fitness level, and higher saturated fatty acid intake. Puriscal residents consumed less animal fat and more carbohydrate than did Framingham residents, and these differences were associated with a 21% lower LDL cholesterol level, a 12% lower HDL cholesterol level, a 29% lower apo A-I level, a 25% higher triglyceride level, a 16% higher apo B level, and a 17% smaller LDL particle size. Some of these cross-cultural differences may be due to differences in ethnic background and physical activity as well.

Adipose Tissue↗

Control of particle size by coagulation of novel condensation aerosols in reservoir chambers.

The coagulation growth behavior of capillary aerosol generator (CAG) condensation aerosols was investigated in a series of reservoir chambers. Aerosols consisted of a condensed system of 0.7% w/w benzil (model drug) in propylene glycol (vehicle). These were generated into 250-, 500-, 1,000-, and 2,000-mL reservoirs in both flowing air-stream and static air experiments. Changes in drug and total aerosol particle size were measured by a MOUDI cascade impactor. In both series of experiments the CAG aerosols grew in size. Growth in flowing air-stream experiments was attributed to the amount of accumulation aerosols experienced in reservoirs during sampling and increased with increasing reservoir volume. Mean (SD) MMAD's for the total mass distribution measured for the 250- and 2,000-mL reservoirs were 0.70 (0.02) and 0.87 (0.03) microm, respectively. For the benzil mass distribution, they were 0.64 (0.02) and 0.87 (0.06) microm, respectively. Growth in static air experiments was dependent on the volume aerosol boluses were restricted to and increased with decreasing reservoir volume. Mean (SD) initial MMAD's for the benzil mass distribution for the 250- and 2,000-mL reservoirs were 1.44 (0.03) and 1.24 (0.08) microm, respectively. Holding aerosols for up to 60 sec further increased their size. Mean (SD) MMAD's for benzil after holding for 60 sec in these reservoirs were 2.28 (0.04) and 1.67 (0.09) microm, respectively. The coagulation behavior and therefore particle size of CAG aerosols may be modified and controlled by reservoir chambers for drug targeting within the respiratory tract.

Aerosols↗