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Determination of the Poisson's ratio of the cell: recovery properties of chondrocytes after release from complete micropipette aspiration.

Chondrocytes in articular cartilage are regularly subjected to compression and recovery due to dynamic loading of the joint. Previous studies have investigated the elastic and viscoelastic properties of chondrocytes using micropipette aspiration techniques, but in order to calculate cell properties, these studies have generally assumed that cells are incompressible with a Poisson's ratio of 0.5. The goal of this study was to measure the Poisson's ratio and recovery properties of the chondrocyte by combining theoretical modeling with experimental measures of complete cellular aspiration and release from a micropipette. Chondrocytes isolated from non-osteoarthritic and osteoarthritic cartilage were fully aspirated into a micropipette and allowed to reach mechanical equilibrium. Cells were then extruded from the micropipette and cell volume and morphology were measured throughout the experiment. This experimental procedure was simulated with finite element analysis, modeling the chondrocyte as either a compressible two-mode viscoelastic solid, or as a biphasic viscoelastic material. By fitting the experimental data to the theoretically predicted cell response, the Poisson's ratio and the viscoelastic recovery properties of the cell were determined. The Poisson's ratio of chondrocytes was found to be 0.38 for non-osteoarthritic cartilage and 0.36 for osteoarthritic chondrocytes (no significant difference). Osteoarthritic chondrocytes showed an increased recovery time following full aspiration. In contrast to previous assumptions, these findings suggest that chondrocytes are compressible, consistent with previous studies showing cell volume changes with compression of the extracellular matrix.

Capillary Action↗

Magnetic resonance microscopy of biofilm structure and impact on transport in a capillary bioreactor.

Microorganisms that colonize surfaces, biofilms, are of significant importance due to their role in medical infections, subsurface contaminant remediation, and industrial processing. Spatially resolved data on the distribution of biomass within a capillary bioreactor, the heterogeneity of the biofilm itself and the impact on transport dynamics for a Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm in the natural growth state are presented. The data demonstrate the ability of magnetic resonance microscopy to study spatially resolved processes in bacterial biofilms, thus providing a basis for future studies of spatially resolved metabolism and in vivo clinical detection.

Biofilms↗

New openings for porous systems research from intermolecular double-quantum NMR.

It has been recently recognized that residual intermolecular double-quantum coherences (iDQcs) provide a novel contrast mechanism to study heterogeneity in liquid systems. This is of much interest in the field of the physics of matter and biomedicine. Nowadays, literature concerning the behaviour of the iDQc signal originated by highly heterogeneous systems such as fluids in porous media is scarce. In this paper, we report and discuss our principal results about iDQc signal behaviour in confined liquid systems (trabecular bone, travertine, porous standard systems) and also some new results obtained on doped water in glass capillary pipes.

Adsorption↗

Structural models of lipid surface monolayers from X-ray and neutron reflectivity measurements.

Structural investigations of phospholipid monolayers on aqueous subphases on the submolecular level using X-ray and neutron reflectivity measurements are reviewed. While such investigations have been limited in the past by a relatively restricted accessible momentum transfer range, recent developments in synchrotron technology--almost doubling this range--have considerably improved the capabilities of the technique. Until recently, data interpretation has entirely relied on 'box models' which describe the structures as molecularly homogeneous slabs--one hydrophobic and one hydrophilic. It is shown that box models of phospholipid monolayers are rather inadequate to model data at the high momentum transfer available nowadays in X-ray measurements. As an alternative, a hybrid data inversion strategy is proposed that treats the hydrophobic alkane phase as a homogeneous slab and describes the position of submolecular fragments of the lipid headgroups by means of distribution functions along the interface. Within this approach, composition-space refinement--enabling the coupling of data sets from various X-ray and neutron contrasts--in connection with volumetric constraints enables structural characterization of lipid monolayers in unprecedented detail. Extending a recent characterization of dimyristoylphosphatidic acid (DMPA) monolayers on pure water [Schalke et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1464 (2000) 113-126] it is shown that stoichiometric binding of the divalent cations--DMPA-:Cat2+= 2:1--occurs only at exceedingly low areas per molecule, A lipid. At low surface pressure pi, both cations and anions are incorporated into the headgroup in significant amounts, approximately 0.68 Ba2+ and approximately 0.35 Cl- per PA molecule at pi = 2 mN m(-1). They are continuously squeezed out upon compression, until upon approaching Alipid = 41 A2, the stoichiometric ratio between bound cations and acidic headgroups is observed. The average inclination angle alpha of the headgroups as well as their water content is constant along the whole isotherm. The intrinsic contribution to the distribution width--i.e. the spread that is due to a distribution of the fragments within the headgroup without the action of capillary waves--increases with compression up to pi approximately 30 mN m(-1) and drops sharply thereafter in a regime of the isotherm where Alipid approaches its limiting value. The same general picture is observed for DMPA on subphases with 10 mM Ca2+, although the lower electron density of that cation limits the precision of the results.

Aniline Compounds↗

Dielectric exclusion of ions from membranes.

Dielectric exclusion is caused by the interactions of ions with the bound electric charges induced by ions at interfaces between media of different dielectric constants. It is considered as one of mechanisms of nanofiltration. The transport properties of capillary model are expressed through ion distribution and diffusion coefficients. Due to local equilibrium the distribution coefficient is directly related to the excess solvation energy of ion. First, this energy is considered for single ions in single neutral pores in terms of pore size, ion charge, dielectric constants of solvent and membrane matrix and pore geometry. The dielectric exclusion from pores with closed geometry like circular cylinders is shown to be essentially stronger than that from pores with relatively open geometry like slits. Furthermore, the role of finite membrane porosity is analysed for the model of infinite slabs with alternating dielectric constants. The presence of other ions is accounted for within the scope of a mean-field approach, and the screening of dielectric exclusion is thus introduced and considered in some detail. A fixed electric charge is shown to cause additional screening. At the same time the dielectric exclusion makes the Donnan exclusion of ions stronger. Therefore the interaction between those two rejection mechanisms turns out to be non-trivial. Finally, the effect of solvent molecular structure is considered within the scope of non-local electrostatics. It is shown that the solvent non-locality typically results in somewhat stronger dielectric exclusion, however, its most important effect is slowing down the decline of dielectric exclusion with increasing bulk electrolyte concentration.

Capillary Action↗

The shape parameter of liposomes and DNA-lipid complexes determined by viscometry utilizing small sample volumes.

A minicapillary viscometer utilizing <0.5 ml of sample at a volume fraction of <0.1% is described. The calculated a/b of DPPC/DPPG multilamellar liposome was 1.14 as prolate ellipsoids and a/b of dioleoylpropyltrimethyl ammonium methylsulfate-DNA complex at a charge ratio of 4:1 (+/-) was 3.7 as prolate ellipsoids or 4.9 as oblate ellipsoids. The deviation of shape from perfect sphere is thus expressed quantitatively in more than two significant figures. In these measurement, the necessary amount of DNA is <0.5 mg.

Capillary Action↗

High-pressure fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

We demonstrate that a novel high-pressure cell is suitable for fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The pressure cell consists of a single fused silica microcapillary. The cylindrical shape of the capillary leads to refraction of the excitation light, which affects the point spread function of the system. We characterize the influence of these beam distortions by FCS and photon-counting histogram (PCH) analysis and identify the optimal position for fluorescence fluctuation experiments in the capillary. At this position within the capillary, FCS and photon-counting histogram experiments are described by the same equations as used in standard FCS experiments. We report the first experimental realization of fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy under high pressure. A fluorescent dye was used as a model system for evaluating the properties of the capillary under pressure. The autocorrelation function and the photon count distribution were measured in the pressure range from 0 to 300 MPa. The fluctuation amplitude and the diffusion coefficient show a small pressure dependence. The changes of these parameters, which are on the order of 10%, are due to the pressure changes of the viscosity and the density of the aqueous medium.

Capillary Action↗

On the distribution of a permeable solute during Poiseuille flow in capillary tubes.

Equations are derived describing the dispersion of a permeable solute during Poiseuille flow in a capillary model. It is shown that for the normal range of physiological parameters such as capillary radius, capillary length, blood flow, permeability coefficients, and diffusion constants, the center of mass of a bolus of solute moves at a speed very close to the mean speed of flow and that the solute leaves the capillary with an exponential time course depending on the permeability but not on the diffusion constant. There is no appreciable difference in the dispersion of the solute or in its rate of permeation from the capillary whether one considers piston flow or Poiseuille flow. A bolus of arbitrary radial shape tends to become radially uniform very close to the arterial end of the capillary.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

Model hydrophobic ion exchange membrane.

Two models of hydrophobic ion exchange membranes were examined theoretically with regard to the characteristics of cellulose acetate-nitrate membranes saturated with hydrophobic solvents. The first model, consisting of fixed negative sites dispersed in a homogeneous medium of low dielectric constant, was shown to be invalid for the experimental membranes. The second model, consisting of fixed negative sites in an aqueous channel surrounded by a medium of low dielectric constant, explains many properties of the cellulose acetate-nitrate hydrophobic membranes and was analyzed in some detail. Organic cations can enter the membranes through the hydrophobic phase as well as through the aqueous channels. The mechanism of counterion movement in such a model is assumed to consist of exchange of vacancies and or double-occupied sites positions. The presence of the medium of low dielectric constant around the aqueous channel increases the "self"-energy of the ions in the channel and the electrostatic interaction between a fixed site and a counterion in the membrane. Both these factors can account for the marked dependence of ion mobility in the aqueous channels on the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium. The model predicts membrane preference for monovalent counterions over divalent ones.

Capillary Action↗

A continuous-flow capillary mixing method to monitor reactions on the microsecond time scale.

A continuous-flow capillary mixing apparatus, based on the original design of Regenfuss et al. (Regenfuss, P., R. M. Clegg, M. J. Fulwyler, F. J. Barrantes, and T. M. Jovin. 1985. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 56:283-290), has been developed with significant advances in mixer design, detection method and data analysis. To overcome the problems associated with the free-flowing jet used for observation in the original design (instability, optical artifacts due to scattering, poor definition of the geometry), the solution emerging from the capillary is injected directly into a flow-cell joined to the tip of the outer capillary via a ground-glass joint. The reaction kinetics are followed by measuring fluorescence versus distance downstream from the mixer, using an Hg(Xe) arc lamp for excitation and a digital camera with a UV-sensitized CCD detector for detection. Test reactions involving fluorescent dyes indicate that mixing is completed within 15 micros of its initiation and that the dead time of the measurement is 45 +/- 5 micros, which represents a >30-fold improvement in time resolution over conventional stopped-flow instruments. The high sensitivity and linearity of the CCD camera have been instrumental in obtaining artifact-free kinetic data over the time window from approximately 45 micros to a few milliseconds with signal-to-noise levels comparable to those of conventional methods. The scope of the method is discussed and illustrated with an example of a protein folding reaction.

Biophysics↗

Determination of tricyclic antidepressant drugs by gas chromatography with the use of a capillary column.

A universal gas chromatographic procedure for the determination of the commonly prescribed tricyclic antidepressant drugs in 1 mL of plasma is described. After the addition of internal standards the samples are washed with pentane at acidic pH and extracted with pentane at alkaline pH. The pentane extract is evaporated after the addition of acetic anhydride. Aliquots of a methanolic solution of the residue of evaporated extract are analyzed isothermally on a Durabond 30 m fused silica column. This column is well suited for use with a nitrogen selective detector. The liquid phase is not extracted by repeated injections of methanolic solutions of plasma extracts. When compared to a packed column, this column allows shorter analysis time.

Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic↗

Noninvasive measurement of viscosity from damping of capillary waves.

Capillary waves are surface waves on fluids with wavelengths in the millimeter range. The determination of viscosity from the damping of capillary waves is of great practical importance as it affords the possibility of measuring the viscosity of fluids noninvasively. In this paper a noncontact method for generation and detection of capillary waves on fluid is described. A miniature laser interferometer is employed to measure noninvasively the wave amplitude and its attenuation with a resolution of about 10 nm. As a test case, the attenuation data for capillary waves on pure water are used to obtain the kinematic viscosity of water as a function of temperature. The results compare favorably with the most reliable published data on the subject.

Capillary Action↗

Preparation and applications of polypyrrole films in solid-phase microextraction.

Polypyrrole (PPY) and poly-N-phenylpyrrole (PPPY) films were prepared and applied for solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The extraction properties of the new films to volatile organic compounds were examined using an SPME device coupled with GC-flame ionization detection. A PPY-coated capillary was applied for in-tube SPME to evaluate its extraction efficiency towards less volatile compounds and ionic species. The porous surface structures of the films, revealed by scanning electron microscopy, provided high surface areas and allowed for high extraction efficiency. Compared with commercial SPME stationary phases, the new phases showed better selectivity and sensitivity toward polar, aromatic, basic and anionic compounds, due to their inherent multifunctional properties. In addition, PPY and PPPY films showed different selectivity to various groups of compounds studied, indicating that the selectivity of the films could be modified by introducing a new functional group (phenyl in PPPY) into the polymer. For in-tube SPME, the PPY-coated capillary showed superior extraction efficiency to commercial capillaries for a variety of compounds, demonstrating its potential applications for a wide range of analytes when coupled with HPLC. The sensitivity and selectivity of the films for SPME could be tuned by changing the film thickness. These results are in line with both the theoretical expectations and the results obtained by other methods, which indicate not only that PPY films can be used as new stationary phases for SPME. but also that SPME method may provide an alternative tool for studying materials like polypyrrole.

Capillary Action↗

Possibilities and limitations of capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls.

The possibilities and limitations of analyses of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBPs) by capillary gas chromatography and capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry have been investigated. Metal capillary columns (WCOT) coated with Apiezon L and OV-101 were not suitable for PCB analyses. Good results were obtained in the separation of model mixtures of PCBs and of Aroclor 1242 on a glass capillary column coated with OV-101. Sources of error are indicated that may be encountered in the characterization of PCB components in Aroclor 1242 by standard additions, Kováts' retention indices and mass spectrometry. The direct coupling of a capillary column (WCOT) to a mass spectrometer produced spectra of the main PCB components, many of which could be used in the identification of isomeric PCBs.

Capillary Action↗

Determination of clonidine in human plasma by glass capillary gas chromatography with electron-capture detection.

A gas chromatography assay for clonidine in human plasma has been developed. The buffered serum is extracted on silica columns, alkylated with pentafluorobenzyl bromide, cleaned up-by extractions and analysed by glass capillary gas chromatography with falling-glass-needle injection and electron-capture detection. A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of the derivatives formed and an investigation of the structure dependence of the electron-capture response are presented.

Capillary Action↗

Quantitation of insulin injection by high-performance liquid chromatography and high-performance capillary electrophoresis.

High-performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) was evaluated as a potential technique for the regulatory analysis of commercial dosage forms of insulin. A comparison was made to a liquid chromatographic analysis presently being proposed as an official monograph in the United States Pharmacopeia. The salient points of this comparison were accuracy, precision and ease of use. Both authentic (i.e. single blind, spiked) samples and commercial pharmaceutical formulations (injections) were examined. Chromatographic analyses of both commercial formulations and authentic samples were characterized by good precision, with accuracy being supported by results from authentic (spiked) samples. Conventional HPCE (by which is meant a non-micellar electrolyte used with an uncoated, unmodified fused-silica capillary) achieved reasonable accuracy, but less than impressive precision, when applied to authentic samples. When used for commercial formulations, this type of HPCE did not produce a level of accuracy suitable for regulatory purposes, even with the use of an internal standard.

Animals↗

Application of a metal capillary column in gas chromatographic determination of catechol-o-methyltransferase activity.

The utility of a deactivated metal capillary column, Rascot, in the measurement of an enzymatic reaction, in this case measurement of rat catechol-O-methyltransferase activity, was examined. 3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 3,4-dihydroxybenzylalcohol and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid were used as substrates and the m- and p-O-methylated products were separated by using Rascot after derivatization. The peaks on the chromatograms were symmetrical. The data obtained were compared with those reported in previously published papers. Good agreement with previous results proved that Rascot is able to withstand practical use in biological materials.

Animals↗

Quantitative analysis of fatty acid methyl esters and dimethyl acetals on a polar (free fatty acid phase) capillary column.

Separation of fatty acid methyl esters and dimethyl acetals from complex biological samples has been achieved by gas-liquid chromatography on a capillary column coated with free fatty acid phase. Response-correcting factors were determined, showing rather large variations with fatty acid length. Polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters were shown to have lower responses than saturated species, whereas dimethyl acetals and equivalent methyl esters were found to give similar responses. Total fatty acid and aldehyde compositions of human and simian erythrocytes were determined and compared, showing a somewhat higher level of linoleate and arachidonate, and a lower level of plasmalogens in simian erythrocytes.

Acetals↗