Characterisation of modified pharmaceutical proteins: the somatropin case

Somatropin, a recombinant protein containing 191 amino acids, is derived from the endogenous human growth hormone, somatotropin [1]. This protein is clinically used in children and adults with inadequate endogenous growth hormone to stimulate a normal bone and muscle growth. In addition, somatropin is currently being investigated for the diagnosis and radiotherapy of certain hormonal cancers. The modification of the protein with a chelating agent like NOTA (1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid) allows the inclusion of metals coupled to the protein. The NOTA unit is selectively introduced on a lysine side chain. This yields 9 possible labelling sites for somatropin: 38, 41, 70, 115, 140, 145, 158, 168 and 172. As site-specific labelling is necessary to avoid active region interactions, characterisation of the chelate-modified somatropin is indispensable. Therefore, we have applied an enzymatic digestion procedure using trypsin, chymotrypsin and Staphylococcus aureus V-8 proteases. The resulting peptides were then monitored using HPLC-MSn, allowing the investigation of the exact position of amino acid modifications

Development of a thermal ionizer as ion catcher

An effective ion catcher is an important part of a radioactive beam facility that is based on in-flight production. The catcher stops fast radioactive products and emits them as singly charged slow ions. Current ion catchers are based on stopping in He and H$_2$ gas. However, with increasing intensity of the secondary beam the amount of ion-electron pairs created eventually prevents the electromagnetic extraction of the radioactive ions from the gas cell. In contrast, such limitations are not present in thermal ionizers used with the ISOL production technique. Therefore, at least for alkaline and alkaline earth elements, a thermal ionizer should then be preferred. An important use of the TRI$\mu$P facility will be for precision measurements using atom traps. Atom trapping is particularly possible for alkaline and alkaline earth isotopes. The facility can produce up to 10$^9$ s$^{-1}$ of various Na isotopes with the in-flight method. Therefore, we have built and tested a thermal ionizer. An overview of the operation, design, construction, and commissioning of the thermal ionizer for TRI$\mu$P will be presented along with first results for $^{20}$Na and $^{21}$Na.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, XVth International Conference on Electromagnetic Isotope Separators and Techniques Related to their Applications (EMIS 2007

Psychagogia in Plato's Phaedrus

published or submitted for publicatio

Inductive measurements of third-harmonic voltage and critical current density in bulk superconductors

We propose an inductive method to measure critical current density $J_c$ in bulk superconductors. In this method, an ac magnetic field is generated by a drive current $I_0$ flowing in a small coil mounted just above the flat surface of superconductors, and the third-harmonic voltage $V_3$ induced in the coil is detected. We present theoretical calculation based on the critical state model for the ac response of bulk superconductors, and we show that the third-harmonic voltage detected in the inductive measurements is expressed as $V_3= G_3\omega I_0^2/J_c$, where $\omega/2\pi$ is the frequency of the drive current, and $G_3$ is a factor determined by the configuration of the coil. We measured the $I_0$-$V_3$ curves of a melt-textured $\rm YBa_2Cu_3O_{7-\delta}$ bulk sample, and evaluated the $J_c$ by using the theoretical results.Comment: 3 pages, 1 figure, submitted to Appl. Phys. Let

Positive gaging system feasibility study Summary report, 15 May - 15 Nov. 1967

Radio frequency mass gaging technique model for particular spacecraft fuel and tank configuratio

Molecular assessment of complex microbial communities degrading long chain fatty acids in methanogenic bioreactors

Microbial diversity of anaerobic sludge after extended contact with long chain fatty acids (LCFA) was studied using molecular approaches. Samples containing high amounts of accumulated LCFA were obtained after continuous loading of two bioreactors with oleate or with palmitate. These sludge samples were then incubated in batch assays to allow degradation of the biomass-associated LCFA. In addition, sludge used as inoculum for the reactors was also characterized. Predominant phylotypes of the different samples were monitored using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments. Fingerprinting analysis showed changes in bacterial and archaeal communities during LCFA accumulation and degradation. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences of 22 clones, representing the predominant bacteria and archaea, were determined. Most bacterial clones (80%) clustered within the Clostridiaceae. Two major groups of methanogens were identified: hydrogen- and formate-utilizing organisms, closely related to Methanobacterium, and acetoclastic organisms closely related to Methanosaeta and Methanosarcina. Quantification by FISH and real-time PCR showed that the relative abundance of archaea increased during degradation of biomass-accumulated LCFA. These results provide insight into the importance and dynamics of balanced communities of bacteria and methanogens in LCFAaccumulation/ degradation cycles.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT); Fundo Social Europeu (FSE)

Practical approaches for application of resistance type strain gages on high temperature composites

Four major areas of interest with respect to utilizing strain gages on carbon/carbon (with SiC surfaces) and titanium matrix composites are addressed. Strain gage and adhesive combinations on carbon/carbon (C/C) at temperatures from minus 190 C to to 540 C, half-bridge gaging for reducing apparent strain on C/C using Poisson's ratio and bending configurations, a review of the 'field installation' techniques developed for gaging a C/C hypersonic generic elevon, and results of initial strain gaging efforts on titanium matrix composites are discussed. Current research in developing techniques for increasing the maximum temperature for strain gages on carbon/carbon are reviewed

White and Non-White Migration between Area Groups in England and Wales

In this paper, we explore internal migration in England and Wales by broad groups of ethnicity, education and employment status from 1991 to 2004. The aim is to identify key differences in the patterns and trends over time so that a better understanding of the processes can take place. Our analyses focus on migration between twelve area groups defined by the Office for National Statistics, which are comprised of Local Authority Districts and include such areas as London Cosmopolitan, London Suburbs, Coastal and Countryside and Industrial Hinterlands. By analysing the migration flows between these area groupings, we can focus our attention on the types of destinations various migrant groups choose given particular origin types. The data come from the 2001 Census and the National Health Service Central Register from 1991 to 2004. Strong stability over time is demonstrated in the aggregate patterns of origin-destination-specific flows. However, when disaggregated by region, ethnicity, education and employment, very different patterns emerge which gives some useful insights into the redistribution of England and Wales' ethnic populations and compositions