Crystalline Granules Research Articles

Effect a Nd:YAG Laser Irradiation on The Optical And Structural Properties of Thin Film (CdO) Prepared by Chemical Spray Pyrolysis (CSP)Technique.

To study the effect of Nd:YAG laser on the properties of structural and optical values of the energy gap of cadmium oxide (CdO) films, have been prepared using chemical spray pyrolysis and deposited on a glass substrate for concentrations(0.05, 0.1, 0.15)M at temperature (350°C) ,using 6 spray rate during (10) second for each spray . To study the optical properties of the film Prepared (CdO) before and after irradiation Nd:YAG laser with energy (200) mJ at different times (5,10,15)sec and at (1) meter far from the source using a(UV-Visible) spectrometer device and the extent of wavelengths, (300-1100) nm the results showed that the energy gap increased with increasing concentrations and was the ideal value when the concentration of (0.1)M, where the value of energy gap is (2.25)eV, but after laser irradiation redueced to (2)eV. The Atomic Force Microscope(AFM) has been used to study the structural properties of the composition and topography of the surface in two and three dimensions of the films prepared before and after irradiation, the results indicate that the surface rate roughness and the average root of the square less after irradiation, and it is observed ideal value for this property is at a concentration of (0.1)M. The crystalline structures and surface morphology of CdO thin film examined by XRD analysis. The result showed the films are polycrystalline for and crystalline granules prevailing levels of growth are at (220), (200), (111) the irradiation led to a slight change in the angle of diffraction in the lattice constants (a) and a decline in giving the peak tops.

Effect of Ultrasound-Assisted Osmotic Dehydration Pretreatment on Drying Kinetics and Effective Moisture Diffusivity of Mirabelle Plum

Conventional air drying of plum is a slow and energy-intensive process because of its waxy skin having low permeability to moisture. Ultrasound application in drying foodstuffs aims at reducing the time needed to process and improve the quality characteristics of dried product. In this study, the effect of ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration pretreatment on drying kinetics and effective moisture diffusivity of Mirabelle plum during drying was examined. Pretreatments including ultrasonication time at two levels (10 and 30 min), osmotic solution concentration at two levels (50 and 70% sucrose) and immersion time in osmotic solution at four levels (60, 120, 180 and 240 min) were performed. Results showed that application of ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration pretreatment can lead to a significant increase in effective moisture diffusivity (from 5.84 × 10−9 to 7.36 × 10−9 m2/s) resulting in a 20% decrease in drying time, and thus involving a higher energy saving and preserving heat labile nutrients. Practical Applications The Mirabelle plum is appreciated by consumers for its health benefits. Drying is among the most popular methods to prolong its shelf life. The Mirabelle plum's skin consists of an underlying amorphous wax layer adjacent to the cuticle proper, together with crystalline granules of wax protruding from the surface. The waxy skin has a low permeability to moisture that increases drying time leading to possible quality deteriorations. Therefore, any pretreatment for plum drying processes that decreases drying time by reducing the initial moisture content and preserves the prune (dried plum) quality is of considerable interest. Methodologies such as ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration can be implemented as an alternative pretreatment to reduce drying time and, consequently, processing costs. This study provides information on the effects of operating conditions (sonication time, concentration of osmotic solution and immersion time in the osmotic solution) on drying kinetics, total processing time and effective moisture diffusivity.

Gram-scale, high-yield synthesis of a robust metal–organic framework for storing methane and other gases

We have synthesized and characterized a new metal–organic framework (MOF) material, NU-125, that, in the single-crystal limit, achieves a methane storage density at 58 bar (840 psi) and 298 K corresponding to 86% of that obtained with compressed natural gas tanks (CNG) used in vehicles today, when the latter are pressurized to 248 bar (3600 psi). More importantly, the deliverable capacity (58 bar to 5.8 bar) for NU-125 is 67% of the deliverable capacity of a CNG tank that starts at 248 bar. (For crystalline granules or powders, particle packing inefficiencies will yield densities and deliverable capacities lower than 86% and 67% of high-pressure CNG.) This material was synthesized in high yield on a gram-scale in a single-batch synthesis. Methane adsorption isotherms were measured over a wide pressure range (0.1–58 bar) and repeated over twelve cycles on the same sample, which showed no detectable degradation. Adsorption of CO2 and H2 over a broad range of pressures and temperatures are also reported and agree with our computational findings.

Multiple Myeloma Variant with Ascites and Cytoplasmic Crystalline Granules in Plasma Cells

Abstract 5088CASE REPORT: CLINICAL HISTORY:A 62-year-old male patient who presented with anemia and findings of monoclonal gammopathy of IgA type was referred to the Hematology clinic for work-up and management of possible multiple myeloma. At the same time, the patient was being managed by the Gastroenterology service with diuretics and recurrent paracentesis for an ongoing significant ascites of unclear etiology. These interventions had been performed for a year on a biweekly basis. CLINICAL WORK-UP:The patient had IgA gammopathy with a monoclonal protein level of 1.2 Gm/dL and findings on skeletal survey consistent with lytic lesions in the pelvic bones. PROCEDURE:A bone marrow biopsy obtained from the patient revealed a plasmacytosis of 15% with atypical crystalline cytoplasmic inclusions seen in the majority of plasma cells and some histiocytes as well. The transudative ascitic fluid was analyzed for crystalline deposits, but these could not be conclusively detected even though there were inclusions seen in some macrophages that may represent remnants of the crystals. TREATMENT:The patient was diagnosed with IgA myeloma given the above findings and was treated with a combination of Revlemid, Velcade and Dexamethazone with good response in terms of his IgA monoclonal protein as well as in significant improvement in his ascites, which essentially resolved. He no longer required therapeutic paracentesis upon initiation of chemotherapy and was able to get weaned off of diuretics as part of his treatment. CONCLUSION:This case represents what we believe to be a rare variant of multiple myeloma that presented with monoclonal gammopathy in the blood as well as concomitant ascites. The bone marrow showed plasma cells containing crystalline inclusions. The precise nature of these inclusions is presently unknown, however it is felt most likely to be precipitated immunoglobulins. We plan to investigate this further. For reasons that are not entirely clear, this particular biology appears to induce a reactive process in the peritoneum causing a development of ascites. The resolution of such ascites with treatment directed toward the myeloma seems to indicate that the two are related. A case similar to this was reported by Doctors Martin, et al in 1987 with a patient presenting with similar type of crystalline inclusions in plasma cells with clinically associated ascites.1 There was no information available on treatment effect and so it was not possible to tie the clinical presentation of the myeloma and ascites together. [Display omitted] Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Growth of rhombohedral insulin crystals and in vitro modeling of their dissolution in the blood stream

AbstractInsulin is the only protein that is secreted in a crystalline form in a human healthy body. To mimic the secretion process we used NaCl salting‐out to growing tiny rhombohedral Zn‐insulin crystals. The dissolution of the insulin crystals is of special interest for the therapeutical praxis, because the human body is supplied with the physiologically active monomers of the insulin through dissolution of the crystalline granules secreted in the pancreatic β‐cells. Sets of tiny rhombohedral Zn‐insulin crystals, which resembled the granules secreted in the β‐cells, were subjected to dissolution in blood plasma and model solutions. The impacts of the solution composition, flow rate, pH and ionic strength on the insulin crystal dissolution were investigated. The effect of the blood plasma was determinant because it dissolved the rhombohedral Zn‐insulin crystals almost instantly, while the effects of solution's physicochemical characteristics were of minor importance. In addition, we found that the presence of abundant zinc ions suppressed the dissolution of the insulin crystals. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Phase explosion induced by high-repetition rate pulsed laser

The characteristics and mechanisms of the damage to absorbing glass with high-repetition laser pulses (several kHz) are discussed. The results show that: (1) in the range of comparatively low-repetition rate, the damage is characterized by material melting and a small crater on the surface of substrate; (2) with the increase in repetition rate, a bigger and deeper crater is surrounded by re-deposition and crystalline granules originating from the cooling of vapor; and (3) the crater, surrounded by evaporation and an large number of solid particulates which is obviously the characters of phase explosion, becomes even bigger and deeper when the repetition rate is further increased. We modeled the temperature distribution in different repetition rate regime and found that heat accumulation plays a significant role in damage process. Because of the temperature dependence of damage mechanism, the temperature of the area irradiated by laser beam will ramp up with increasing the repetition rate, which triggers the melting and evaporation of dielectrics and phase explosion successively. Our results may benefit the understanding of laser-induced damage in optical materials.

Corm tunic morphology of Turkish Crocoideae (Iridaceae) and their systematic significance

The corms of the Crocoideae vary in size, shape, number of internodes and length, the tunic structure of which often supplies good taxonomic characters. We here present detailed corm and tunic drawings and crystal types of Crocus L., Romulea Maratti and Gladiolus L. for the first time. Crocus taxa show tunic characteristics that are significantly different from each other. Romulea shows useful taxonomic characters only on the margins of the tunics that is covering the basal ridge. Tunic characters of the studied Gladiolus species are not as stable as in the other genera. The crystal types of the corm tunics of the studies taxa have been identified in Crocus: typical; small and thin square shaped, relatively short and thick, arrow‐shaped styloids. Romulea has regularly lined, hexagonal crystals on tunics. Gladiolus taxa have typical styloids and crystalline granules.

Structure of Composite Layers Reinforced with SiC Particles Obtained by Electrochemical Deposition

The paper reports on a study regarding the structure of composite layers obtained by electrochemical deposition. The depositions were achieved in a bath formed of a mixture of aqueous solutions of iron salts (iron chloride), cobalt (cobalt sulphate) and solid particles of silicon carbide (SiC) in suspension. Following the electrochemical deposition on composite structures are formed as a thin layer with a metallic matrix (FeCo alloy), reinforced with hard particles of SiC. The structure of the composite layer is uniform and very fine, with crystalline granules under 500 nm. The electrochemically deposited FeCo alloy representing the metallic matrix of the composite layer has a high micro-hardness (864 HV), superior to the same alloy obtained by casting.

Combustion synthesis of SrIn2O4:Eu3+ red-emitting phosphor for white light-emitting diodes

The SrIn2O4:Eu3+ phosphor was synthesized by combustion with ignition temperature of 470 °C. The X-ray diffraction pattern shows that pure SrIn2O4:Eu3+ phosphor was obtained and an efficient red emission under near-ultraviolet (UV) excitation was observed. The emission spectrum shows the most intense peak is located at 613 nm, which corresponds to the 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+. The phosphor has two main excitation peaks located at 397 nm and 469 nm, which match the emission of UV and blue LED respectively. The obtained phosphor consists of many crystalline granules, which are tiny enough so that they need not to be crushed before application. The SrIn2O4:Eu3+ is a potential red-emitting phosphor for white light-emitting diodes.

Preparation of a Bioactive Xenograft

The method which gives a low crystalline hydroxyl carbonated apatite forming ability to originally non-bioactive high crystalline hydroxyapatite surface was newly developed. The granules of trabecular bovine bone, which had a size range from 212 to 1000 μm, were defatted, deproteinized, and then heat-treated at 1000 oC for 3 hours to remove organics completely. They were treated with the mixed solution of calcium chloride and calcium hydroxide in Soxhlet’s apparatus at 100 oC for 3 days and then dried completely. Low crystalline hydroxyl carbonated apatite was observed to occur on the surface of high crystalline hydroxyapatite granules after soaking them into the simulated body fluid (SBF) for 1 week. This method is likely to have a potential to be used as a new process to give a bioactivity to originally non-bioactive materials.

Crystalline Polymers in Nanoscale 1D Spatial Confinement

A series of semicrystalline block copolymers, poly(4-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(e-caprolactone) (P4VP−PCL), with lamellar microstructure have been synthesized. Owing to the vitrified P4VP microdomains and strongly segregated microphase separation, the crystallization of the PCL blocks in P4VP−PCL was carried out within the nanoscale confinement. Simply by varying the molecular weight of the block copolymer, namely the confined size, polymeric crystallization can be tailored in the one-dimensional confinement. A distinct nucleation mechanism, altering from heterogeneous to homogeneous nucleation, was obtained once the confined size became smaller than a critical dimension, equivalent to the regular thickness of heterogeneously nucleated crystalline lamellae. Consequently, discrete crystalline granules were generated through homogeneous nucleation, namely a single nucleus within one granule. Also, crystal growth was altered from specific to random orientation with respect to the interface between the crystal...

Circulating eosinophils in asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis lack morphological signs of degranulation

In allergic diseases, eosinophils in affected tissues release granule proteins with cytotoxic, immunoregulatory, and remodelling-promoting properties. From recent observations, it may be assumed that eosinophils degranulate already in circulating blood. If degranulation occurs in the circulation, this could contribute to widespread systemic effects and provide an important marker of disease. To determine the degranulation status of circulating eosinophils in common allergic diseases. Using a novel approach of whole blood fixation and leucocyte preparation, the granule morphology of blood eosinophils from healthy subjects, non-symptomatic patients, symptomatic patients with asthma, asthma and Churg-Strauss syndrome, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and eosinophil peroxidase (TEM) histochemistry. Plasma and serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein were measured by fluoroenzymeimmunoassay. Selected tissue biopsies were examined by TEM. Regardless of symptoms, circulating eosinophils from allergic patients showed the same granule morphology as cells from healthy subjects. The majority of eosinophil-specific granules had preserved intact electron-density (96%; range: 89-98%), while the remaining granules typically exhibited marginal coarsening or mild lucency of the matrix structure. Abnormalities of the crystalline granule core were rarely detected. Furthermore, granule matrix alterations were not associated with any re-localization of intracellular EPO or increase in plasma eosinophil cationic protein. By contrast, eosinophils in diseased tissues exhibited cytolysis (granule release through membrane rupture) and piecemeal degranulation (loss of granule matrix and core structures). In symptomatic eosinophilic diseases, circulating blood eosinophils retain their granule contents until they have reached their target organ.

Femtosecond laser-induced crystallization in amorphous Sb-rich AgInSbTe films

Crystallization in amorphous Sb-rich AgInSbTe films was induced by femtosecond laser with an average power 65 mW at a frequency of 1 kHz and a pulsed duration of 120 fs. The reflectivity and X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the formation of the crystalline state in amorphous Sb-rich AgInSbTe films. Atom force microscopy (AFM) observed the characteristics of the surface morphology of amorphous, annealed and femtosecond laser-induced films. Results indicated the surface of Sb-rich AgInSbTe films induced by femtosecond laser is not smooth and contains many crystalline granules.

Femtosecond laser-induced crystallization in amorphous Sb-rich AgInSbTe films

Crystallization in amorphous Sb-rich AgInSbTe films was induced by femtosecond laser with an average power 65 mW at a frequency of 1 kHz and a pulsed duration of 120 fs. The reflectivity and X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the formation of the crystalline state in amorphous Sb-rich AgInSbTe films. Atom force microscopy (AFM) observed the characteristics of the surface morphology of amorphous, annealed and femtosecond laser-induced films. Results indicated the surface of Sb-rich AgInSbTe films induced by femtosecond laser is not smooth and contains many crystalline granules.

A case of juxtaglomerular cell tumor associated with membranous glomerulonephritis

The association of membranous glomerulonephritis with benign tumors is rarely described. This report represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first documented account of the simultaneous occurrence of juxtaglomerular cell tumor of the kidney and membranous glomerulonephritis. A young Chinese woman presented with hypertension and proteinuria, whereupon investigations disclosed a renal tumor. She underwent surgical resection, and histologic examination of the tumor revealed CD34-positive uniform polygonal cells with accompanying mast cells, disposed in sheets with focal papillary pattern punctuated by cytokeratin-positive tubular structures. Characteristic rhomboid crystalline granules were identified ultrastructurally. The kidney adjacent to the tumor showed features of membranous glomerulonephritis and hypertensive arteriopathy. Proteinuria improved following tumor resection, but the patient had persistent hypertension attributable to renal hypertensive arteriopathy. This report also highlights the recently described observation of CD34 positivity in juxtaglomerular cell tumors.

Crystallinity and polysaccharide chains of β-glucan in white sorghum, SK 5912

The polysaccharide chains and the crystallinity of β-glucan in a white sorghum variety, SK 5912 were investigated using chemical and enzymic studies. Mild periodate oxidation and methylation, coupled to descending paper chromatography of products revealed the presence of unresolved non-carbohydrate moiety, 2, 4-and 2, 3-di- O-methyl d-glucose residues (molar ratio; 18:3) and 2, 4, 6-and 2, 3, 6-tri- O-methyl d-glucose residues (molar ratio; 1:14). Paper chromatography of the total acid hydrolysate also revealed a non-carbohydrate spot, identified as protein on the basis of positive Biuret and ninhydrin tests. The O-methyl d-glucose residues suggest two polysaccharide chains designated X and Y. Chain X is formed through linking of β- d-glucopyranosyl residues by (1→3) linkages with 85–86% (1→6) bonds at branch points and constitute about 6–7% of the β-glucan sample. Chain Y, which is 93–94% of the β-glucan polysaccharide chains, constitutes β- d-glucopyranosyl residues in (1→4) linkages and 4–5% (1→6) bonds at branch points. Of the 18 branch points on the X-chains in a given β-glucan sample, about 15 are the Y chains interlinked to the X-chains through their (Y-chains) reducing ends. Both acid and enzyme hydrolyses of the β-glucan suggest two structural organizations, a crystalline and less crystalline granules, based on two first order kinetics. This was correlated by the progress curves obtained during hydrolysis with two purified isoforms of β-glucanases from the sorghum malt. The short and highly branched polysaccharide chains, and longer but less branched polysaccharide chains found in this β-glucan are reminiscent of the structures of amylopectin and amylose, respectively. The K ms of 0.30–0.32 and 0.42–0.50 mg β-glucan/ml for the β-glucanase isoforms also lay credence to both the crystalline forms and the highly polymerised nature of the β-glucan in white sorghum.

Comparative nutritive value of various staple foods*

A population successful in an ecological niche must have a dietary pattern that provides the minimum requirements of all 40–45 essential nutrients, in addition to the energy sources—carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Cereal production and its contribution to diets in developing countries exceed that of legumes and roots, tubers, plantains and bananas. Legumes are highest in protein and is rich in lysine but deficient in cystine and methionine. Cereals are intermediate in protein content; their protein is rich in cystine and methionine but deficient in lysine. Thus cereal‐legume diets have a better amino acid balance than either diet alone, as shown by the high protein quality of most composite diets. Storage proteins are prolamin and glutelin in cereal endosperm, but globulin in legume cotyledon, occurring as prolamin protein body (PB) in cereals and globulin PB in legumes. Glutelin PB occurs in rice endosperm. Roots, tubers, plantains and bananas are high in moisture, hence, poor in protein content and other nutrients and have a poor postharvest shelf life. Potato protein has a balanced amino acid composition. Antinutrition factors for protein include protease (trypsin) inhibitor, tannins, and phytate. Digestible energy correlates with true protein digestibility and increases with processing. Starch occurs as partially crystalline storage granules. The amylose content of starch correlates negatively with gly‐cemic index and positively with resistant starch, a component of soluble dietary fiber. In some cases, starch gelatinization temperature correlates negatively with glycémie index and positively with resistant starch. Antinutrition factors for starch include amylase inhibitor, tannins, and phytate. Flatulence factors include galactose‐containing oligosaccha‐rides, which are particularly high in legumes. Soluble cc‐glucans of oat and barley have hypocholesterolemic activity. Legumes are generally energy‐dense due to their high fat content, particularly peanut and soybean. The unsaponifiable matter of rice oil has hypocholesterolemic activity. Some varieties of root crops have cy‐anogenic glycosides that release HCN on hydrolysis, causing death to consumers. Others have saponins and tannins that contribute to a bitter taste. Staple foods are a major source of vitamins and minerals due to the large amount consumed. Breeding efforts in the 1960s and 1970s attempted to improve the protein content and limiting amino acid (lysine content in cereals and cystine and methionine in legumes) in staple foods, both of which require more energy to produce. CGIAR recently launched a project to increase the micronutrient density of selected crops, particularly vitamin A, iron, and zinc, although mineral absorption from a vegetable source is poor. The low phytate mutant of cereals may improve protein digestibility, glycémie index, and mineral absorption. Rice mutant lacking li‐poxygenase 3 and a lower polyunsaturated fatty acid content may reduce fat rancidity and maintain the essential fatty acid level of food during storage, as in soybean. The adoption of GATT‐WTO in most countries, the accompanying emphasis on value‐added food products, and the popularization of functional foods and nutraceuticals in developed countries will have an impact on the properties and nutritive value of food products in developing countries in the 2000s.

Microstructure of the skin of d'Agen plums

The skin of mature d'Agen plums ( Prunus domestica L.) was investigated by cryo-scanning electron microscopy. Regions of the surface of the fruit were differentiated by the presence or otherwise of a waxy bloom. The epicuticular wax consisted of an underlying amorphous wax layer adjacent to the cuticle proper together with crystalline granules of wax protruding from the surface. Over non-bloom regions of the skin the number and size of the granules were small and the underlying amorphous wax layer predominated. Differences between bloom and non-bloom regions of the skin were attributed to variations in the microclimate of fruits, such as incident radiation. The cuticular membrane was >5 μm thick. The cuticular layer showed layering, but the lamellation of the cuticular layer, as observed by SEM, did not correspond to any recognised cuticle structural types based on light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of plant cuticles. Fractures of the epicuticular wax layer frequently formed along the long axis of the stomatal guard cell pair. Localised water loss and collapse of dermal cells occurred in the area around stomata with large fractures.

Structural Properties of the Intrinsic Muscles of the Malpighian Tubules of the Female Stable Fly, Stomoxys calcitrans L.

The four Malpighian tubules of the female stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans L., were divided into an anterior dorsal and a posterior ventral pair. A marked structural divergence existed between the distal terminations of these two pairs. This divergence consisted primarily in the number and size of crystalline granules present in the respective distal regions. The terminal diameter of the dorsal tubules was at least twice that of the ventral tubules. Intrinsic muscles were found only in that short proximal section (ureter) of each pair of tubules that emptied into the midgut. Other regions of the tubules showed no evidence of a muscle sheath. The small intrinsic muscles (0.25 to 0.6 μm diam) of the ureter were visible under Nomarski optics at high magnification (600X). The muscle fibers were embedded in the basal regions of the large epithelial cells that line the lumen of the ureter. Occasionally, these muscles were arranged in a multilayered lattice. Myofibrils were separated into sarcomeres of irregular alignment with classical A (0.8 μm in length) and I bands. The Z disk consisted of discontinuous rows of dense bodies, and in partially contracted muscle some myofilaments of the A band passed between the dense bodies of the Z bands. T-system tubules and the sarcoplasmic reticulum were sparse to non-existent.

Immunocytochemical Demonstration of C3 in Mouse Neutrophils and Eosinophils

Complement system and granulocytes are both important effecters in host defence mechanism. Murine peritoneal neutrophils elicited with Streptococcus preparation (OK432) was found to synthesize and secrete the third component of complement (C3). In this report the localization of C3 in the neutrophils was investigated by immunoelectron microscopy. C3 was found predominantly in vesicles which might be the counterpart of the most easily mobilizable secretory vesicles of human neutrophils. Murine eosinophils from peritoneum elicited with OK432 were found for the first time to contain C3 and to be localized in their crystalline granules.