Large-sized Aggregates Research Articles

Modulation of the physical properties of dielaidoylphosphatidylethanolamine membranes by a dirhamnolipid biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Rhamnolipids are bacterial biosurfactants produced by Pseudomonas spp. These compounds have been shown to present several interesting biological activities, restricting the growth of Bacillus subtilis and showing zoosporicidal activity on zoosporic phytopathogens. It has been suggested that the interaction with the membrane could be the ultimate responsible for these actions. Therefore, it is of great interest to get insight into the molecular mechanism of the interaction of purified rhamnolipids with the various phospholipid components of biological membranes. In this paper we report on the phase behaviour of mixtures of dielaidoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DEPE) with a purified dirhamnolipid (DiRL) fraction from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as studied by a number of physical techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, FTIR, small angle X-ray (SAX) diffraction and dynamic light scattering. Our data indicate that the presence of DiRL counteracts the tendency of DEPE to form vesicular aggregates of large size, forming vesicles of smaller diameter which most probably have a lower lamellarity index. The partial phase diagram obtained from calorimetric data shows a complex behaviour with a solid-phase immiscibility. X-ray diffraction shows that DiRL has a bilayer stabilizing effect, impeding formation of the inverted hexagonal-H II phase of DEPE. The presented data are discussed focussing into how DiRL/DEPE interactions could help to explain the membrane perturbing activities of this biosurfactant.

Notochordal Cell Produce and Assemble Extracellular Matrix in a Distinct Manner, Which May Be Responsible for the Maintenance of Healthy Nucleus Pulposus

Analysis of proteoglycan synthesis, distribution and assembly of notochordal cells and small nucleus pulposus cells embedded in alginate beads and cultured in presence of [S]-Na2SO4. To determine whether the degeneration of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc is associated with a change in the cell phenotype. The loss of the notochordal cell from the nucleus pulposus is associated with ageing and disc degeneration. The reduction in their numbers after birth in humans and in the chondrodystrophoid dog has been suggested to result from cell death and replacement or differentiation by chondrocytes. The almost total disappearance of the notochordal cells in the nucleus pulposus correlates with early degenerative changes in the disc and a concomitant reduction in proteoglycan content, increased collagen, and loss of water content. The basic mechanism of this accelerated degeneration with ageing is poorly understood. Nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus cells were isolated from the lumbar intervertebral discs of chondrodystrophoid and nonchondrodystrophoid dogs. The cells from the nucleus pulposus were further separated by size into notochordal cells and small nucleus pulposus cells. Cells were embedded in alginate beads and cultured in the presence of [S]-Na2SO4 to measure proteoglycan size, rate of synthesis, and distribution into the pericellular and intercellular compartments. Large notochordal cells in the nucleus pulposus of chondrodystrophoid dogs formed 13% of the cell population in young dogs and fell to 0.4% in adults, whereas they were the predominant cell type in the nonchondrodystrophoid dogs at all ages. These cells were capable of 1.5-fold greater rate of synthesis of proteoglycans than the small nucleus pulpous cells. Proteoglycans secreted by the large cells were evenly distributed between the pericellular and intercellular compartments,whereas the small cells distributed 3-fold more proteoglycan into the intercellular phase. By size exclusion chromatography, the proteoglycans synthesized by the small cells of the chondrodystrophoid dogs formed large-size aggregates (Kav = 0.1) within the pericellular region, which then moved to the intercellular region over 5 to 10 days. In contrast, proteoglycans secreted by the notochordal cells were capable of rapid migration to the intercellular phase before assembly into large-sized aggregates. The ability to form aggregates was independent of age of the animal. Our model shows that a change in intervertebral disc cell phenotype correlates with the grade of disc degeneration and that the notochordal cells synthesize proteoglycans, which exhibit delayed aggregation than those synthesized by the small nucleus pulposus cells. This implies that the cell type composition of the nucleus pulposus of the chondrodystrophoid and nonchondrodystrophoid dogs produces an extracellular matrix that is assembled in a distinct manner, which may affect tissue integrity.

Effects of oligosaccharide removing procedure on the protein profiles of lupin seeds

The effects on the protein pattern of raffinose family oligosaccharides ethanol extraction from intact lupin seeds (Lupinus albus and Lupinus luteus) has not been addressed so far. In this work, 1D and 2D electrophoretic techniques were used to detect changes of the protein profiles upon oligosaccharide removal procedure. Some differences between untreated and treated samples were clearly visible in 1D electrophoresis, where the decrease of some polypeptides was revealed. In addition, a dark zone at the top of each treated sample lane became visible, suggesting the formation of large-sized protein aggregates as a result of the extraction procedure. By using the greater resolution of 2D electrophoresis, the identification of some varying spots was made possible: In particular the bands corresponding to conglutin γ were significantly reduced in the processed samples. The leakage of this protein by ethanol treatment of the seeds was qualitatively and quantitatively confirmed with specific antibodies by Western and dot blotting techniques, respectively. Another polypeptide around 100 kDa undergoing decrease upon treatment was tentatively identified as lupin lipoxygenase, according to literature data and direct lipoxygenase activity measurements on treated and untreated seed extracts. The observed decrease of lipoxygenase activity in the processed seeds was 37%. These results show that the extraction of α-galactosides, while maintaining the overall pattern of lupin storage proteins, led to the reduction of some critical proteins. In particular, conglutin γ and lipoxygenase decrease could be desirable in view of their potential allergenicity and effects on the flour organoleptic characteristics, respectively.

Clay–starch composites and their application in papermaking

AbstractClay–starch composites with different aggregate sizes and starch to clay ratios were prepared by a simple precipitation method. The aggregates of the composites were used as fillers to improve the paper properties. The experimental results showed that the paper strengths increased more than 100% for starch‐modified clay compared to untreated clay at 20–30% clay loading. The increase in paper strengths of clay–starch composite‐filled handsheets was mainly due to two reasons, i.e., the relatively large aggregate size and the improved internal bonding. The optical properties compared at same mechanical strength were also improved. The water solubility of starch in the clay–starch composite was less than 3% at 50°C for 30 min, and it could be further reduced by adding crosslinker. Bonding sites between composite and fiber were investigated by scanning electron microscope. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1032–1038, 2006

Selection of Optimum Gravel Aggregate Size to Resist Permanent Deformation in Hot-Mix Asphalt

Siliceous river gravels form a significant fraction of the different types of aggregates used in the construction of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. Even after gravel particles are crushed into smaller-size fractions, a significant proportion of the larger-size fractions retain their original shape and surface texture. As a result, HMA with a larger nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) has a higher percentage of rounded and low-angularity particles, which might make it more susceptible to rutting. Using a smaller NMAS may decrease the percentage of rounded and angular aggregates in the mix, but potentially at the expense of loss in shear strength of the mix. This study evaluated the effect of increasing aggregate angularity by decreasing NMAS on the rutting potential of HMA mixes containing siliceous gravels. Nine mix designs composed of three different NMASs and siliceous aggregates from three different sources were included in this study. The percentage of rounded and angular aggregates in each mix was quantified using image analysis and crushed-face count. The rutting potential of HMA mixes was assessed on the basis of Hamburg, dynamic modulus, flow time, and flow number tests. Results verify that a decrease in NMAS results in a decrease in the percentage of rounded and angular aggregates. However, rutting performance improves initially with a decrease in NMAS but then decreases; this indicates an optimum size that maximizes the rut resistance of HMA with siliceous aggregates. Results from this study are especially useful in selecting an optimum aggregate size for HMA mixes in locations where river gravels are the main source of locally available aggregates.

Prion variant maintained only at high levels of the Hsp104 disaggregase

The yeast prion [PSI(+)] is a self-perpetuating aggregated isoform of the translation termination factor Sup35. [PSI ( + )] propagation is promoted by moderate levels and antagonized by high levels of the chaperone Hsp104. In agreement with the model postulating that excess Hsp104 acts on [PSI ( + )] by disaggregating prion polymers, we show that an increase in Sup35 levels, accompanied by an increase in size of prion aggregates, also partially protects [PSI(+)] from elimination by excess Hsp104. Despite retention of [PSI(+)], excess Hsp104 decreases toxicity of overproduced Sup35 in [PSI(+)] strains. A heritable variant of [PSI(+)], which has been isolated and is maintained only in the presence of increased levels of Hsp104, is characterized by an abnormally large aggregate size, and exhibits an altered response to overproduction of the Hsp70 chaperone Ssa1. These features resemble the previously described prion generated by a deletion derivative of Sup35, but are not associated with any sequence alteration and are controlled exclusively at the protein level. Our data provide a proof of the existence of conditionally stable prion variants maintained only at altered levels of Hsps, that could in principle be beneficial if the normal cellular function of a prion protein becomes detrimental to the cell in such conditions.

Chemical characterization of different typologies of mucilaginous aggregates in the Northern Adriatic Sea

The chemical composition of mucilage aggregates found during summer 2000, 2001 and 2002 in the North Adriatic Sea depends on the nature of the organic matter during aggregation, on the environmental conditions of the site of formation and on the transformations during ageing. The mucilages were composed of organic matter, together with a significant inorganic fraction. Elemental analysis revealed 12.5–32.2% of organic carbon, 0–7.3% of inorganic carbon and 1.0–3.7% of nitrogen. The C org/N ratios of most aggregates were between 7.5 and 12.6, values close to those found in the suspended matter; higher ratios were found in large-size (> 5 m) aggregates which are probably older. The content of carbohydrates and proteins determined in the aggregates, respectively, 15.4 ± 8.9% and 7.9 ± 4.8%, w/w, showed a prevalence of carbohydrates over proteins. Neutral carbohydrate analysis of purified polysaccharides from mucilage samples showed very similar signatures with high relative abundance of galactose and glucose. Humic, fulvic and humin substances extracted from the mucilages constitute an important fraction of the organic matter in the aggregates. The humin (a fraction insoluble in acidic and basic media) was present in all mucilage samples, indicating the refractory nature of a part of the organic matter in the mucilage. The iron and calcium could play a role during the aggregation process to form a complex with polysaccharides and humic fractions. The C org/N ratio 10 ± 2 found in the humic acids extracted from the Adriatic aggregates disclosed a marine origin. The low phosphorus content and the high C org/P ratio found in the aggregates might depend from high bacteria activity or from the aggregation of organic fractions depleted of phosphorus. The principal inorganic species contained aluminium and silicon, part of which was of biogenic origin and was more significant in the offshore mucilage aggregates than in the coastal ones. The Si biog/C org ratio showed that diatoms were always present in the aggregates, although it cannot be established whether these are the producers or these develop within the aggregates.

Protofibril Formation of Amyloid β-Protein at Low pH via a Non-cooperative Elongation Mechanism

Deposition of the amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) in senile or diffuse plaques is a distinctive feature of Alzheimer's disease. The role of Abeta aggregates in the etiology of the disease is still controversial. The formation of linear aggregates, known as amyloid fibrils, has been proposed as the onset and the cause of pathological deposition. Yet, recent findings suggest that a more crucial role is played by prefibrillar oligomeric assemblies of Abeta that are highly toxic in the extracellular environment. In the present work, the mechanism of protofibril formation is studied at pH 3.1, starting from a solution of oligomeric precursors. By combining static light scattering and photon correlation spectroscopy, the growth of the mass and the size of aggregates are determined at different temperatures. Analysis and scaling of kinetic data reveal that under the studied conditions protofibrils are formed via a single non-cooperative elongation mechanism, not prompted by nucleation. This process is well described as a linear colloidal aggregation due to diffusion and coalescence of growing aggregates. The rate of elongation follows an Arrhenius law with an activation enthalpy of 15 kcal mol(-1). Such a value points to a conformational change of peptides or oligomers being involved in binding to protofibrils or in general to a local reorganization of each aggregate. These results contribute to establishing a clearer relation at the molecular level between the fibrillation mechanism and fibrillar precursors. The observation of a non-cooperative aggregation pathway supports the hypothesis that amyloid formation may represent an escape route from a dangerous condition, induced by the presence of toxic oligomeric species.

Lead-induced attenuation in the aggregation of acetylcholine receptors during the neuromuscular junction formation

Lead (Pb 2+) toxicity is more common in children and is associated with cognitive deficits, which may reflect lead-induced changes in central synaptic development and function. Aside from neurotoxicity, lead exposure may also impact mature neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and cause muscle weakness. NMJ is known as a peripheral cholinergic synapse and its signaling cascades responsible for development are similar to those for the central synapses. However, the effect of lead exposure on the formation of NMJ in mammals is unclear. In the present study, a NG108-15/C2C12 coculture model was used to measure the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregates formed on the myotubes which was an early hallmark for the NMJ formation. AChR aggregates were identified by α-bungarotoxin under fluorescent microscope. Single dose of lead acetate with final concentrations at 10 −3, 10 −1, or 10 μM was applied to dishes at the beginning of coculturing. Following 3-day exposure, although NG108-15 cells could extend long neurites to nearby myotubes, obvious dose-dependent attenuation in AChR aggregation was shown. The averaged area of an AChR aggregate, the averaged number of AChR aggregates per myotube, and the total area of AChR aggregates per myotube were all significantly decreased. In addition, the distribution percentages of various sizes of AChR aggregates showed that almost half of the AChR aggregates were formed with a size of 2–5 μm 2 regardless of lead exposure. After treating 10 μM of lead acetate, significantly more AChR aggregates ranged from 2 to 20 μm 2 were formed and significantly less AChR aggregates larger than 20 μm 2 were formed. These results indicated that lead exposure reduced the extent of AChR aggregation concerning both the size and number of AChR aggregates and large AChR aggregates could hardly be formed after acute high-level lead exposure. No significant change was found in the total amount of AChRs on the myotubes after lead exposure, which indicated that the attenuation of AChR aggregation was not caused by reducing the synthesis of AChRs but by remaining dispersed pattern of AChRs on the myotubes. These data suggest that lead exposure exerts detrimental effects on the formation of NMJ.

Surface and Aggregation Behavior of Aqueous Solutions of Ru(II) Metallosurfactants: 4. Effect of Chain Number and Orientation on the Aggregation of [Ru(bipy)2(bipy‘)]Cl2 Complexes

The structure of aggregates formed by eight surfactant [Ru(bipy)2(p,p'-dialkyl-2,2'-bipy)]Cl2 complexes-which we express as Ru(p)(q)Cn, where n (=12 or 19) is the alkyl chain length, p (=4 or 5) refers to the substitution position on the bipyridine ligand, and q (=1 or 2) is the number of substituted alkyl chains-in aqueous solutions has been examined using small-angle neutron scattering for a range of concentrations close to the critical micelle concentration and for several combinations of n, p, and q. A number of general results emerge. The double-chain surfactants possess a smaller headgroup charge but a larger aggregate size than their single-chain analogues. Over the concentration range studied, the micelles of the single-chain surfactants grow as the concentration is increased, whereas for the double-chain systems, the aggregate size remains unchanged. For both single- and double-chain surfactants, an increase in alkyl chain length is accompanied by an expected increase in aggregate size and an increase in average headgroup charge. The aggregates formed in solutions of resolved double-chain complexes are larger than those found in solutions of racemic mixtures. The Ru(4)(1)C12 and Ru(5)(1)C12 systems form aggregates with high water content. Variation of the substitution position for the single-chain surfactants produces dramatic changes in the structure of the micelles. The aggregates formed in solutions of Ru(4)(1)C19 and Ru(5)(1)C19 display particularly different structures. The Ru(4)(1)C19 system forms essentially spherical aggregates. In contrast, in the Ru(5)(1)C19 system, wormlike aggregates are formed in which the rigid rodlike sections appear to undergo a transition from a noninterdigitated to an interdigitated structure as the concentration is increased. For double-chain surfactants, the aggregation number for p = 4 surfactants is considerably larger than that for p = 5 surfactants.

Type 1 and type 2 human PrPSc have different aggregation sizes in methionine homozygotes with sporadic, iatrogenic and variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease

In Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), the type (type 1 or 2) of abnormal isoform of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)) in the brain and the genotype at codon 129 of the PrP gene are major determinants of clinicopathological phenotype. Little is known about the difference in biochemical properties between the two types of PrP(Sc), except for the different proteinase K cleavage sites. To investigate the size of aggregates formed by PrP(Sc) types 1 and 2, brain homogenates from various cases of CJD with the same genotype (homozygous for methionine at codon 129) were passed through filters with a mean pore size of 72+/-4 nm. Type 2 PrP(Sc) was efficiently removed from the filtrates by the filters, in contrast to type 1. Even type 2 PrP(Sc) from a patient without amyloid plaques was removed more efficiently than type 1 from patients with amyloid plaques. These results indicate that type 2 PrP(Sc) has a larger aggregation size than type 1, irrespective of the existence of amyloid plaques.

Cloud Ice Crystal Classification Using a 95-GHz Polarimetric Radar

Abstract Two algorithms are presented for ice crystal classification using 95-GHz polarimetric radar observables and air temperature (T). Both are based on a fuzzy logic scheme. Ice crystals are classified as columnar crystals (CC), planar crystals (PC), mixtures of PC and small- to medium-sized aggregates and/or lightly to moderately rimed PC (PSAR), medium- to large-sized aggregates of PC, or densely rimed PC, or graupel-like snow or small lumpy graupel (PLARG), and graupel larger than about 2 mm (G). The 1D algorithm makes use of Zh, Zdr, LDRhv, and T, while the 2D algorithm incorporates the three radar observables in pairs, (Zdr, Zh), (LDRhv, Zh), and (Zdr, LDRhv), plus the temperature T. The range of values for each observable or pair of observables is derived from extensive modeling studies conducted earlier. The algorithms are tested using side-looking radar measurements from an aircraft, which was also equipped with particle probes producing simultaneous and nearly collocated shadow images of cloud ice crystals. The classification results from both algorithms agreed very well with the particle images. The two algorithms were in agreement by 89% in one case and 97% in the remaining three cases considered here. The most effective observable in the 1D algorithm was Zdr, and in the 2D algorithm the pair (Zdr, Zh). LDRhv had negligible effect in the 1D classification algorithm for the cases considered here. The temperature T was mainly effective in separating columnar crystals from the rest. The advantage of the 2D algorithm over the 1D algorithm was that it significantly reduced the dependence on T in two out of the four cases.

THE FORMATION OF DEPOSITS ON POLYMER SURFACES IN PAPER MACHINE WET END

Fouling of a negatively charged polyurethane surface by substances typical of those occurring in the wet end of paper machines was studied by QCM-D and AFM. The aim was to evaluate the influence of surface forces, adsorption kinetics, viscoelasticity, and morphology of the adsorbed layers on the fouling process, which is discussed in terms of three steps: (1) contacting of deposits with the surface, (2) adherence of the deposits to the surface, and (3) ability of the adsorbed layer to collect further deposits. Substances studied were pitch emulsions, latex, AKD, kaolin and talc dispersions, cationic starch, and other soluble polymers. pH was 5.5–7. Adsorption tendencies depended, as predicted by the DLVO theory, on the ionic strength and valence of simple ions. Kaolin or polystyrene latex adsorbed only above critical salt concentrations. Strongly coagulated pitch emulsions (large aggregate size) adsorbed to a lesser degree than weakly coagulated emulsions (smaller aggregate size), apparently due to the slower diffusion rate of the larger aggregates.

Determination of branch fraction and minimum dimension of mass-fractal aggregates

Particles of micrometer to nanometer size often aggregate to form branched structures. Such materials include metals and metal oxides as well as biological and polymeric materials (considering the persistence length as a primary unit). Characterization of such structures is difficult since they typically display disordered, irregular features in three dimensions. Branched aggregates display two limiting size scales: that of the primary particle, R1 and that of the aggregate, R2. The mass-fractal model is often used to describe such structures where the aggregate mass, z=M2/M1, is related to the aggregate size, r=R2/R1, through a scaling relationship z=alpha r (d(f)), where the lacunarity alpha is close to 1 and may depend on the growth mechanism. Scattering of x rays, light and neutrons yields a direct measure of the mass-fractal dimension since I(q) approximately q(-d(f)) for 1/R2<q<1/R1 using scaling arguments. For linear, monodisperse aggregates with convoluted chain paths, analytic functions describing both the scaling and larger-size aggregate scattering regimes have been reported. For example, the Debye function for linear, Gaussian coils describes scattering when d(f)=2. Real, mass-fractal aggregates, however, can display variability from the linear chain, monodisperse model. Often the branch content is of vital importance to understanding both the growth of aggregates and their physical properties, especially dynamic properties. An approach is presented for the analysis of aggregate branching from static small-angle scattering. Comparison is made with analytic, simulation, and experimental results from the literature.

The aggregation of thionine and methylene blue dye in smectite dispersion

Interaction of cationic dyes, thionine (Th) and methylene blue (MB), with smectites in the aqueous dispersions was investigated using visible spectroscopy. Smectite samples of various layer charge were used: low-charge laponite (Lap), middle-charge Kunipia F montmorillonite (Kun) and high-charge fluorohectorite (FH). Dyes cations formed monomers, dimers and larger-size aggregates of H-type (sandwich type) and in a few cases of J-type (head-to-tail association). Each form of the dye was identified using visible (VIS) spectroscopy. The effects of layer charge, the type of the dye and smectite, and the influence of dye/clay ratio on the formation of specific dye species were compared. Negligible influence of the dye loading was observed for most cases, being always much lower than the effect of the layer charge density. Dye/Lap reaction systems were dominated by isolated dye cations. H-dimers and larger-size molecular aggregates were formed on the surface of this clay only at the highest loading tested (0.50 mmol/g). On the other hand, the reaction systems with a middle-charge Kun montmorillonite contained roughly equal amounts of dye monomers and H-aggregates at low loadings and slightly more H-aggregates were formed at high loadings. The spectra of dye/FH reaction systems were always dominated by the bands assigned to H-aggregates. The surface of high-charge densities induced destabilization and decomposition of Th cations especially at high dye concentrations on clay surface. The effects of silicate structure and composition on the optical properties of adsorbed dyes were not identified.

Variabilidade espacial da agregação do solo avaliada pela geometria fractal e geoestatística

Este trabalho teve por objetivo explorar a aplicabilidade da teoria de fractais no estudo da variabilidade espacial em agregação de solo. A geometria de fractais tem sido proposta como um modelo para a distribuição de tamanho de partículas. A distribuição do tamanho de agregados do solo, expressos em termos de massa, é apresentada. Os parâmetros do modelo, tais como: a dimensão fractal D, medida representativa da fragmentação do solo (quanto maior seu valor, maior a fragmentação), e o tamanho do maior agregado R L foram definidos como ferramentas descritivas para a agregação do solo. Os agregados foram coletados em uma profundidade de 0-10 cm de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico típico álico textura argilosa, em Angatuba, São Paulo. Uma grade regular de 100 x 100 m foi usada e a amostragem realizada em 76 pontos nos quais se determinou a distribuição de agregados por via úmida, usando água, álcool e benzeno como pré-tratamentos. Pelo exame de semivariogramas, constatou-se a ocorrência de dependência espacial. A krigagem ordinária foi usada como interpolador e mapas de contorno mostraram-se de grande utilidade na descrição da variabilidade espacial de agregação do solo.

The relationship between floc area and backscatter during a spring phytoplankton bloom

A 10-week study during the spring phytoplankton bloom in Bedford Basin, Nova Scotia showed two different linear functional relationships between estimates of the in situ particulate backscatter coefficient ( b bp) and the projected area concentration of particles larger than 100 μm . In the first part of the study (26 February–19 March, 1998), b bp increased more rapidly with floc projected area concentration than it did during the second part of the study (26 March–30 April, 1998). The observed change in relationship was accompanied by an increase in both size and abundance of large particle aggregates in the second part of the study and an inferred shift to more organic bulk particle composition during and after the bloom, also the second part of the study. A simple conceptual model explains these observations. Before the bloom, suspended particles in Bedford Basin were primarily inorganic. As the bloom began and progressed, organic particles became dominant and detrital particles began to aggregate to form flocs.

Effects of seed priming, aggregate size and soil matric potential on emergence of cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) and maize ( Zea mays L.)

Poor crop establishment, due to poor land preparation methods and inadequate soil moisture, continues to be a major constraint to crop production for smallholder farmers in the semi-arid tropics. On-farm seed priming (soaking seed in water) has been offered as a solution to this problem, but the ways in which this technology interacts with soil conditions are not well understood. The interactions between seed priming and soil physical conditions on cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) and maize ( Zea mays L.) emergence and seedling growth were determined in laboratory pot experiments. The treatments included seed treatment (primed and non-primed), initial soil matric potential (−10, −50, −100, −200 and −1500 kPa) and aggregate size (<1, 1–2, 2–4.75 and 4.75–16 mm). Non-sieved soil was used as a control. The soil used (a Chromic Cambisol) was collected from Save Valley Experiment Station in the southeastern lowveld of Zimbabwe. The pots of soil were allowed to dry out after planting, to simulate a deteriorating seedbed. Emergence was subsequently monitored, and plant growth measured 8 days after planting. Final percent emergence and seedling growth decreased with initial matric potential but increased with priming in both crops. Large aggregate sizes generally had an adverse effect on emergence and growth. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that on-farm seed priming can partly compensate for the negative effects of low soil matric potential and large aggregate sizes on crop establishment.

The segregation tendency in the vibration of high fluidity concrete

The introduction of superplasticizer (Sp) has produced concrete that could flow easily under its own weight. In balancing the concrete's ability to flow at the same time maintaining the coarse aggregate distribution, the viscosity of concrete must be enhanced. This study aimed to investigate the effect of vibration on such flowable yet viscous concrete. Concrete flowability and viscosity are quantified by the standard slump cone and V-funnel test, respectively. Despite being flowable, the study concluded that concrete viscosity is an important parameter in determining the tendency for coarse aggregates to segregate. Large-sized coarse aggregates are affected more by the vibration process than the small-sized ones.

Direct detection of particles formed by laser ablation of matrices during matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization.

We report the detection of nanoparticles formed by irradiating matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) matrix samples. This is direct evidence for the ejection of large size aggregates in the MALDI process. Nanometer-size particles were generated via a tunable solid-state UV laser, irradiating a sample placed in a nitrogen atmosphere. Size distribution measurements were performed using a differential mobility analyzer and a condensation particle counter. Particles in the 10-1000 nm size range were detected. The dependence of the particle size distribution on the laser fluence, wavelength and matrix was investigated. The observed effects are discussed and related to the MALDI ablation dynamics and gas-phase processes.