Study of the Crystal Structure and Hydrogen Bonding during Cold Crystallization of Poly(trimethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate).

Here, we present a detailed description of the in situ isothermal crystallization of poly(trimethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)(PTF) as revealed by real-time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS). From FTIR experiments, the evolution of hydrogen bonding with crystallization time can be monitored in real time, while from GIWAXS, crystal formation can be followed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to simulate FTIR spectra for different theoretical structures, enabling a precise band assignment.

Estimation of diffusion coefficients during carrots cooking in arsenious solution at different temperatures.

This study is based on an investigation of the transport phenomenon, specifically the quantification of arsenic diffusion in carrots within a temperature range of 89 °C-99 °C using a thin plate model. Studying the diffusion of arsenic in carrots is important due to its toxicity, as it can concentrate during cooking. The World Health Organization considers arsenic as one of the ten chemical substances of public health concern.

Basophil activation test has high reproducibility and is feasible in the clinical setting.

Background: The basophil activation test (BAT) has high accuracy to diagnose peanut allergy and can reduce the need for oral food challenges (OFC); however, so far it has not been incorporated in clinical practice.

Methods: We assessed the reproducibility of BAT within the same laboratory and between two different laboratories and the feasibility of using BAT in the clinical setting.

Results: One hundred and two children being assessed for peanut allergy were tested on BAT (72 allergic, 30 sensitized tolerant).

Effects of confinement and vaccination on an epidemic outburst: A statistical mechanics approach.

This work describes a simple agent model for the spread of an epidemic outburst, with special emphasis on mobility and geographical considerations, which we characterize via statistical mechanics and numerical simulations. As the mobility is decreased, a percolation phase transition is found separating a free-propagation phase in which the outburst spreads without finding spatial barriers and a localized phase in which the outburst dies off. Interestingly, the number of infected agents is subject to maximal fluctuations at the transition point, building upon the unpredictability of the evolution of an epidemic outburst.

Energetics and structures of the tilted phases of fatty acid Langmuir monolayers.

Langmuir monolayers are monomolecular deep films composed of amphiphilic molecules which are typically confined to a water/air interface in a bi-dimensional structure. Due to the important applications in many research areas, they have been studied for many years. Their phase diagrams present several condensed phases, showing untilted or tilted structures at low values of surface pressure.