Optimizing Colloidal Stability and Transport of Polysaccharide-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Reservoir Management: Effects of Ion Specificity

In this work we explore the mechanisms of ion-specific stabilization of a polysaccharide-based coating for colloidal nanomaterials used within the oil & gas industry. While nanotechnology has wide prevalence across multiple industries, its utility within this sector is largely undeveloped but has potential applications in areas including (but not limited to) exploration, drilling and production processes. For example, reservoir contrast agents in the form of superparamagnetic nanoparticles could be used to accurately determine the residual oil saturation distribution in a reservoir and thus advise enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts. However, deployment of such materials in oil reservoirs proves challenging in cases where high salinity subsurface environments induce nanoparticle aggregation, leading to loss of mobility. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of dextran-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Dex-SPIONs), the colloidal stability of which was evaluated in various brine formulations at elevated temperatures. Initial dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements reveal a lack of contingency between particle stability and total electrolyte concentration for samples comprised of synthetic seawater and low-salinity brine, the latter fluid of which possesses higher ionic strength yet preserves colloidal integrity to a much greater extent than its seawater counterpart. Further experiments point to a calcium (Ca2+) ion-specific stabilization effect wherein surface complexation of Ca2+ ions to the dextran periphery improves carbohydrate hydration and thus enhances colloidal stability. Ion selective electrode (ISE) measurements provide additional evidence of the Ca2+ - dextran binding interaction, the role of which also factors significantly into mitigation of polysaccharide degradation [as demonstrated through gel permeation chromatography (GPC)]. Finally, we assess the transport of Dex-SPIONs through porous media, including examination of retention properties with respect to variances in ionic composition

Ornamental plants: annual reports and research reviews, 2002

Ohio State University Extension Nursery, Landscape, and Turf Team directory: 2003 / Jack Kerrigan -- Floriculture Industry Roundtable of Ohio: 2003 / Charles Behnke -- Ohio State University Extension 2002 Buckeye Yard and Garden Line evaluation survey / Amy K. Stone and James A. Chatfield -- Weather, environmental, and cultural problems of ornamental plants in Ohio: 2002 / Pamela J. Bennett -- Infectious disease problems of ornamental plants in Ohio: 2002 / James A. Chatfield, Nancy A. Taylor, Erik A. Draper, and Joseph F. Boggs -- A biological calendar for predicting pest activity: six years of plant and insect phenology in Secrest Arboretum / Daniel A. Herms -- Biological suppression of foliar diseases of ornamental plants with composted manures, biosolids, and Trichoderma hamatum 382 / Harry A. J. Hoitink, Carol A. Musselman, Terry L. Moore, Leona E. Horst, Charles R. Krause, Randy A. Zondag, and Hannah Mathers -- Growth and water use by four leguminous tree species in containers on a gravel surface or embedded in mulch / Michael Knee, Daniel K. Struve, Michael H. Bridgewater, and Joseph W. Phillips -- The effects of sprayer configuration on efficacy for the control of scab on crabapple / Charles R. Krause, Richard C. Derksen, Leona E. Horst, Randall Zondag, Ross D. Brazee, Michael G. Klein, and Michael E. Reding -- Update on honeylocust knot / Pierluigi Bonello, Maria Bellizzi, and Harry A. J. Hoitink -- Control of phytophthora and other major diseases of Ericaceous plants / Harry A. J. Hoitink, Steven T. Nameth, and James C. Locke -- Is your landscape mulch going up in smoke? / Larry G. Steward, T. Davis Sydnor, and Bert Bishop -- IR-4 ornamental trials conducted by USDA-ARS in Ohio: 2002 / Betsy A. Anderson, Michael E. Reding, Michael G. Klein, and Charles R. Krause -- Research on black vine weevil and white grubs in ornamental nurseries-in Ohio by USDA-ARS / Michael E. Reding, Michael G. Klein, Ross D. Brazee, and Charles R. Krause -- Herbaceous ornamental field trial results in Clark County, Ohio – 2002 / Pamela J. Bennett -- Results of annual trial gardens at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden for 2002 / Dave Dyke -- Ohio State University Learning Garden annual cultivar trials / Monica M. Kmetz-Gonzalez and Claudio C. Pasian -- A collection of crabapple knowledge from Secrest Arboretum: 1993-2002 / Erik A. Draper, James A. Chatfield, and Kenneth D. Cochran -- Key results of the 2001 Ohio Green Industry Survey / Gary Y. Gao, John J. Smith, James A. Chatfield, Joseph F. Boggs, Erik A. Draper, and Hannah Mathers -- The USDA/Agricultural Research Service research weather network in Lake County, Ohio - 2002 update / R. D. Brazee, R. C. Derksen, C. R. Krause, K. A. Williams, D. Lohnes, M. G. Klein, M. Reding, R. Lyons, W. Hendricks, R. Zondag, R. D. Fox, and D. Herms -- The OSU Chadwick Arboretum Learning Gardens / Dr. Steven Still and Annette Duetz -- Choosing soil testing labs / Gary Y, Gao, Maurice E. Watson, Joseph F. Boggs, and James A. Chatfield -- Top horticultural references for a green industry professional's library / Gary Y. Gao and Pamela J. Bennett -- The maples of Secrest Arboretum / Gary W. Graham, James A. Chatfield, and Kenneth D. Cochran -- Deck the halls with boughs from Ollie! / Kenneth D. Cochran and James A. Chatfiel

Epidemiologic and clinical updates on impulse control disorders: a critical review

The article reviews the current knowledge about the impulse control disorders (ICDs) with specific emphasis on epidemiological and pharmacological advances. In addition to the traditional ICDs present in the DSM-IV—pathological gambling, trichotillomania, kleptomania, pyromania and intermittent explosive disorder—a brief description of the new proposed ICDs—compulsive–impulsive (C–I) Internet usage disorder, C–I sexual behaviors, C–I skin picking and C–I shopping—is provided. Specifically, the article summarizes the phenomenology, epidemiology and comorbidity of the ICDs. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between ICDs and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Finally, current pharmacological options for treating ICDs are presented and discussed

Non-aqueous electrolyte solutions in chemistry and modern technology

In this paper a brief survey is given of the properties of non-aqueous electrolyte solutions and their applications in chemistry and technology without going into the details of theory. Specific solvent-solute interactions and the role of the solvent beyond its function as a homogenous isotropic medium are stressed. Taking into account Parker's statement1) ldquoScientists nowadays are under increasing pressure to consider the relevance of their research, and rightly sordquo we have included examples showing the increasing industrial interest in non-aqueous electrolyte solutions. The concepts and results are arranged in two parts. Part A concerns the fundamentals of thermodynamics, transport processes, spectroscopy and chemical kinetics of non-aqueous solutions and some applications in these fields. Part B describes their use in various technologies such as high-energy batteries, non-emissive electro-optic displays, photoelectrochemical cells, electrodeposition, electrolytic capacitors, electro-organic synthesis, metallurgic processes and others. Four Appendices are added. Appendix A gives a survey on the most important non-aqueous solvents, their physical properties and correlation parameters, and the commonly used abbreviations. Appendices B and C show the mathematical background of the general chemical model. The Symbols and abbreviations of the text are listed and explained in Appendix D