Particle Fraction (particle + fraction)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


The efficacy and safety of QVAR (hydrofluoroalkane-beclometasone diproprionate extrafine aerosol) in asthma (part 2): clinical experience in children

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 8 2004
C. P. Van Schayck
Summary QVAR [hydrofluoroalkane-134a beclometasone dipropionate (BDP)] produces equivalent asthma control to chlorofluorocarbon-based BDP inhalers, at approximately half the daily dose in adults, a probable consequence of the increased lung deposition of QVAR that results from its greater fine particle fraction. Recent studies have relied on the clinical experience with QVAR in adults as a basis for investigations in childhood asthma. Design considerations, such as the use of the breath-actuated AutohalerÔ delivery device and measurement of direct health benefits, account for problems of variation in inspiratory flow, handling difficulties and low airways resistance that are associated with children. QVAR appears to be well tolerated in children with no clinically relevant adverse effects on adrenal function, bone metabolism or growth at recommended doses. [source]


Proteomic comparison of two fractions derived from the transsynaptic scaffold

JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 6 2005
Greg R. Phillips
Abstract A fraction derived from presynaptic specializations (presynaptic particle fraction; PPF) can be separated from postsynaptic densities (PSD) by adjusting the pH of Triton X-100 (TX-100) extraction of isolated transsynaptic scaffolds. Solubilization of the PPF corresponds to disruption of the presynaptic specialization. We show that the PPF is insoluble to repeated TX-100 extraction at pH 6.0 but becomes soluble in detergent at pH 8.0. By immunolocalization, we find that the major proteins of the PPF, clathrin and dynamin, are concentrated in the presynaptic compartment. By using multidimensional protein identification technology, we compared the protein compositions of the PPF and the PSD fraction. We identified a total of 341 proteins, 50 of which were uniquely found in the PPF, 231 in the PSD fraction, and 60 in both fractions. Comparison of the two fractions revealed a relatively low proportion of actin and associated proteins and a high proportion of vesicle or intracellular compartment proteins in the PPF. We conclude that the PPF consists of presynaptic proteins not connected to the actin-based synaptic framework; its insolubility in pH 6 and solubility in pH 8 buffered detergent suggests that clathrin might be an anchorage scaffold for many proteins in the PPF. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


The effect of water to ethanol feed ratio on physical properties and aerosolization behavior of spray dried cromolyn sodium particles

JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 5 2005
Kambiz Gilani
Abstract Cromolyn sodium (CS) was spray dried under constant operation conditions from different water to ethanol feed ratios (50:50,0:100). The spray dried CS samples were characterized for their physicochemical properties including crystallinity, particle size distribution, morphology, density, and water/ethanol content. To determine quantitatively the crystallinity of the powders, an X-ray diffraction (XRD) method was developed using samples with different crystallinity prepared by physical mixing of 100% amorphous and 100% crystalline CS materials. The aerodynamic behavior of the CS samples was determined using an Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI) with a Spinhaler® at an air flow of 60 L/min. Binary mixtures of each spray dried CS powder and Pharmatose® 325, a commercial ,-lactose monohydrate available for DPI formulations, were prepared and in vitro aerosol deposition of the drug from the mixtures was analyzed using ACI to evaluate the effect of carrier on deposition profiles of the spray dried samples. CS spray dried from absolute ethanol exhibited XRD pattern characteristic for crystalline materials and different from patterns of the other samples. The crystallinity of spray dried CS obtained in the presence of water varied from 0% to 28.37%, depending on the ratio of water to ethanol in the feed suspensions. All samples presented different particle size, water/ethanol content, and bulk density values. CS particles spray dried from absolute ethanol presented uniform elongated shape whereas the other samples consisted mainly of particles with irregular shape. Overall, fine particle fraction increased significantly (p,<,0.01) with decreasing d50% and water and ethanol content of spray dried CS samples. Significant difference (p,<,0.01) in deposition profiles of the drug were observed between corresponding carrier free and carrier blended formulations. The difference in deposition profiles of CS aerosolized from various spray dried samples were described according to the particle size, shape, and water/ethanol contents of the powders. The results of this study indicate that enhanced aerosol performance of CS can be obtained by spray drying of the drug from suspensions containing ,87.5% v/v ethanol. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 94:1048,1059, 2005 [source]


Hollow-fiber flow/hyperlayer field-flow fractionation for the size characterization of airborne particle fractions obtained by SPLITT fractionation

JOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 3 2006
Hyun-Joo Kim
Abstract Hollow-fiber flow field-flow fractionation (HF FlFFF) was applied for the separation and size characterization of airborne particles which were collected in a municipal area and prefractionated into four different-diameter intervals >5.0, 2.5,5.0, 1.5,2.5, <1.5 ,m) by continuous split-flow thin (SPLITT) fractionation. Experiments demonstrated the possibility of utilizing a hollow-fiber module for the high-performance separation of supramicron-sized airborne particles at steric/hyperlayer operating mode of HF FlFFF. Eluting particles during HF FlFFF separation were collected at short time intervals (,10 s) for the microscopic examination. It showed that particle size and size distributions of all SPLITT fractions of airborne particles can be readily obtained using a calibration and that HF FlFFF can be utilized for the size confirmation of the sorted particle fraction during SPLITT fractionation. [source]


Sedimentation behaviour and turbidity of carrot juices in relation to the characteristics of their cloud particles

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 8 2003
Martin Reiter
Abstract The cloud stability of carrot juices was investigated using physical methods. In contrast to cloudy juices from fruits or other vegetables described so far, complete clarification of juice samples could not be achieved even after ultracentrifugation. Since the density of one particle fraction was almost equal to that of the continuous phase, this fraction was resistant to sedimentation by centrifugal forces up to 60 600 × g in an 8° Brix carrot juice. Cloud stability problems of carrot juices, therefore, are usually associated with bottom sediment formation, but not with visible loss of turbidity. Particle size and density were shown to be decisive for suspension stability, whilst both particle charge and serum viscosity did not show any effect on cloud stability. The reasons for the exceptional stability of the suspended particles are discussed. Based on three particle fractions, a new physical concept could be deduced according to particle size and density explaining the extraordinary suspension stability of carrot juices. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Cationic Polymerization of 2-Vinylthiophene by Chloroarylmethanes as Surface Initiators on Silica and Consecutive Hydride Abstraction by Acceptors

MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 12 2004
Susanne Höhne
Abstract Summary: 2-Vinylthiophene (2-VT) has been cationically polymerized using chloroarylmethane derivatives as the surface polymerization initiator on silica. By applying this procedure a soluble fraction of poly(vinylthiophene) (PVT) and PVT/silica composites can be simultaneously synthesized. The mass balance of the products (soluble fraction and hybrid particle fraction) depends significantly on temperature and 2-VT/silica ratio. The hydride abstraction reaction of PVT both in solution and immobilized on silica particle surface has been studied using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-quinone (DDQ), tetrachloro-1,4-quinone (chloranile,=,ClA) and triphenylmethylium as reagents. The transformation process of PVT towards conjugated polymers has been studied with UV-vis spectroscopy and ESR spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry shows that chloranil is complexated with the formed polymer. Radical formation increases with increasing degree of conversion. The soluble fraction of the conjugated PVT sections formed is capable of reacting with each other as evidenced by GPC data. Structure of PVT/silica and resulting hybrid materials have been investigated by solid state 13C {1H} CP MAS NMR-spectroscopy showing a reaction of methine and methylene hydrogen atoms after treatment with DDQ or chloranil as hydride acceptors. For all poly-(2-vinylthiophene)/hydride acceptor systems studied, chloranil has been found to be the best reagent for the transformation of PVT towards conjugated polymers. Transformation of PVT in poly(2-ethinylthiophene) (PET) and PVT-PET copolymers. [source]


Novel Nanosized Aluminium Carboxylates: Synthesis, Characterization and Use as Nanofillers for Protective Polymeric Coatings

MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2007
Hans-Jürgen Gläsel
Abstract A mixture of novel aluminium carboxylate nanoparticles and aluminium hydroxide ultrafine powder was prepared via precipitation reaction between Al(2-PrO)3 and maleic acid. In this mixture both free primary particles occur (mean geometrical size around 40 nm) together with a secondary agglomerated particle fraction of sizes in the low micrometer region. However, centrifugation processes allowed for the removal of the latter and resulted in the formation of size stable nanopowders. Up to 30 wt.-% of these particles were incorporated into acrylate matrices resulting in low-viscosity formulations with [,],<,1,000 mPa,·,s, which allowed for roller application and even spray coating of these nanocomposites at room temperature. Radiation curing of such coatings was accomplished via UV irradiation. In comparison to the corresponding SiO2 -based nanocomposites and carboxylate alumoxane fillers, the cured coatings revealed significantly improved surface mechanical properties. [source]


Indoor/outdoor concentrations and elemental composition of PM10/PM2.5 in urban/industrial areas of Kocaeli City, Turkey

INDOOR AIR, Issue 2 2010
B. Pekey
Abstract, This study presents indoor/outdoor PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations measured during winter and summer in 15 homes in Kocaeli, which is one of the most industrialized areas in Turkey. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentrations and elemental composition were determined using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Quantitative information was obtained on mass concentrations and other characteristics such as seasonal variation, indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio, PM2.5/PM10 ratio, correlations and sources. Average indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were 29.8 and 23.5 ,g/m3 for the summer period, and 24.4 and 21.8 ,g/m3 for the winter period, respectively. Average indoor and outdoor PM10 concentrations were 45.5 and 59.9 ,g/m3 for the summer period, and 56.9 and 102.3 ,g/m3 for the winter period, respectively. A varimax rotated factor analysis (FA) was performed separately on indoor and outdoor datasets in an effort to identify possible heavy metal sources of PM2.5 and PM10 particle fractions. FA of outdoor data produced source categories comprising polluted soil, industry, motor vehicles, and fossil fuel combustion for both PM fractions, while source categories determined for indoor data for both PM2.5 and PM10 comprised industry, polluted soil, motor vehicles, and smoking, with an additional source category of cooking activities detected for the PM2.5 fraction. Practical Implications In buildings close to industrial areas or traffic arteries, outdoor sources may have an important effect on indoor air pollution. Therefore, indoor and outdoor investigations should be conducted simultaneously to assess the relationship between indoor and outdoor pollution. This study presents the simultaneous measurement of PM fractions (PM2.5 and PM10) and their elemental compositions to determine the sources of respirable PM and the heavy metals bound to these particles in indoor air. Factor analysis of indoor data indicated that the contribution of outdoor pollutant sources to indoor pollution was about 70%, making these sources the most significant for indoor heavy metal pollution, wheras other sources of indoor pollution included smoking and cooking activities. [source]


Bioaccessibility studies of ferro-chromium alloy particles for a simulated inhalation scenario: A comparative study with the pure metals and stainless steel

INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2010
Klara Midander
Abstract The European product safety legislation, REACH, requires that companies that manufacture, import, or use chemicals demonstrate safe use and high level of protection of their products placed on the market from a human health and environmental perspective. This process involves detailed assessment of potential hazards for various toxicity endpoints induced by the use of chemicals with a minimum use of animal testing. Such an assessment requires thorough understanding of relevant exposure scenarios including material characteristics and intrinsic properties and how, for instance, physical and chemical properties change from the manufacturing phase, throughout use, to final disposal. Temporary or permanent adverse health effects induced by particles depend either on their shape or physical characteristics, and/or on chemical interactions with the particle surface upon human exposure. Potential adverse effects caused by the exposure of metal particles through the gastrointestinal system, the pulmonary system, or the skin, and their subsequent potential for particle dissolution and metal release in contact with biological media, show significant gaps of knowledge. In vitro bioaccessibility testing at conditions of relevance for different exposure scenarios, combined with the generation of a detailed understanding of intrinsic material properties and surface characteristics, are in this context a useful approach to address aspects of relevance for accurate risk and hazard assessment of chemicals, including metals and alloys and to avoid the use of in vivo testing. Alloys are essential engineering materials in all kinds of applications in society, but their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment are very seldom assessed. Alloys are treated in REACH as mixtures of their constituent elements, an approach highly inappropriate because intrinsic properties of alloys generally are totally different compared with their pure metal components. A large research effort was therefore conducted to generate quantitative bioaccessibility data for particles of ferro-chromium alloys compared with particles of the pure metals and stainless steel exposed at in vitro conditions in synthetic biological media of relevance for particle inhalation and ingestion. All results are presented combining bioaccessibility data with aspects of particle characteristics, surface composition, and barrier properties of surface oxides. Iron and chromium were the main elements released from ferro-chromium alloys upon exposure in synthetic biological media. Both elements revealed time-dependent release processes. One week exposures resulted in very small released particle fractions being less than 0.3% of the particle mass at acidic conditions and less than 0.001% in near pH-neutral media. The extent of Fe released from ferro-chromium alloy particles was significantly lower compared with particles of pure Fe, whereas Cr was released to a very low and similar extent as from particles of pure Cr and stainless steel. Low release rates are a result of a surface oxide with passive properties predominantly composed of chromium(III)-rich oxides and silica and, to a lesser extent, of iron(II,III)oxides. Neither the relative bulk alloy composition nor the surface composition can be used to predict or assess the extent of metals released in different synthetic biological media. Ferro-chromium alloys cannot be assessed from the behavior of their pure metal constituents. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010;6:441,455. © 2009 SETAC [source]


Hollow-fiber flow/hyperlayer field-flow fractionation for the size characterization of airborne particle fractions obtained by SPLITT fractionation

JOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 3 2006
Hyun-Joo Kim
Abstract Hollow-fiber flow field-flow fractionation (HF FlFFF) was applied for the separation and size characterization of airborne particles which were collected in a municipal area and prefractionated into four different-diameter intervals >5.0, 2.5,5.0, 1.5,2.5, <1.5 ,m) by continuous split-flow thin (SPLITT) fractionation. Experiments demonstrated the possibility of utilizing a hollow-fiber module for the high-performance separation of supramicron-sized airborne particles at steric/hyperlayer operating mode of HF FlFFF. Eluting particles during HF FlFFF separation were collected at short time intervals (,10 s) for the microscopic examination. It showed that particle size and size distributions of all SPLITT fractions of airborne particles can be readily obtained using a calibration and that HF FlFFF can be utilized for the size confirmation of the sorted particle fraction during SPLITT fractionation. [source]


Sedimentation behaviour and turbidity of carrot juices in relation to the characteristics of their cloud particles

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 8 2003
Martin Reiter
Abstract The cloud stability of carrot juices was investigated using physical methods. In contrast to cloudy juices from fruits or other vegetables described so far, complete clarification of juice samples could not be achieved even after ultracentrifugation. Since the density of one particle fraction was almost equal to that of the continuous phase, this fraction was resistant to sedimentation by centrifugal forces up to 60 600 × g in an 8° Brix carrot juice. Cloud stability problems of carrot juices, therefore, are usually associated with bottom sediment formation, but not with visible loss of turbidity. Particle size and density were shown to be decisive for suspension stability, whilst both particle charge and serum viscosity did not show any effect on cloud stability. The reasons for the exceptional stability of the suspended particles are discussed. Based on three particle fractions, a new physical concept could be deduced according to particle size and density explaining the extraordinary suspension stability of carrot juices. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source]