Using the pH sensitivity of switchable surfactants to understand the role of the alkyl tail conformation and hydrogen bonding at a molecular level in elucidating emulsion stability.

Hypothesis: The monoalkyl diamine surfactant, N-dodecylpropane-1,3-diamine (DPDA), is expected to exhibit a pH-dependent charge switchability. In response to pH changes, the interfacial self-assembly of DPDA becomes an intermediary constituent that can potentially modify the interfacial interactions and structural assembly of both the oil and water phases. Hence, we hypothesize that as we change the pH, DPDA will respond to it by changing its charge and alkyl tail conformation as well as the conformation of adjacent phases at the molecular level, consequently affecting emulsion formation and stability.

CT and MR evaluation of a wooden foreign body in an in vitro model of the orbit.

We made an in vitro model of a wooden foreign body using both fresh and dry pine wood in both fat and soft-tissue background mediums. Air/wood/background medium interfaces were studied with MR and CT to determine which method provided the best image contrast for detecting a wooden foreign body. CT was demonstrated to be superior to MR in the evaluation of the orbit in the in vitro model.

Sphaerophorus necrophorus: laboratory model for the evaluation of chemotherapeutic agents in mice.

Severe necro-purulent lesions were induced in mice following parenteral inoculation of Sphaerophorus necrophorus. Gross and histological changes observed in the lung, liver, and foot pad of infected mice were similar to those occurring naturally in cattle. The lesions could be prevented, cured or significantly reduced by the administration of chemotherapeutic agents such as sulfonamides, potentiated sulfonamide and antibiotics.