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•Investigation of the impedance hysteresis of Li-ion cells at frequencies below 10 mHz.•Low frequency impedance spectrum is influenced by the SoC setting current, rest time after SoC setting, excitation amplitude and charge/discharge history.•A correlation between the current dependent thickness of the graphite electrode and the impedance is found.

•A new method to measure the dynamic behavior of Li-ion cells in the time domain is presented.•The measurement technique is based on two superimposed currents, analogue to dynamic impedance spectroscopy.•The advantage of the new method is the time saving compared to frequency domain measurements.•This enables a characterization at lower frequencies with less distortion.

In this work, a simple and fast batch injection analysis system with multiple pulse amperometric detection (BIA-MPA) was developed for the simultaneous determination of amiloride (AMD) and furosemide (FMD). A sample plug (150 μL) was directly injected into the unmodified boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode immersed in 0.1 mol L−1borate buffer (pH = 10). Simple and fast sample pre-treatment steps were required (dissolution and dilution). The analytical characteristics of the proposed method include good stability (RSD < 1.1%; n= 20), low detection limits (0.13 and 0.94 mg L−1for AMD and FMD, respectively), high throughput (72 injections per h) and minimal waste production (∼150 μL by analysis). The results obtained with the BIA-MPA method were compared to those obtained by HPLC; similar results were obtained (at a 95% confidence level).

Angus steers (n = 96; 321 ± 29 kg BW) were used to determine how previous exposure to increased dietary S would affect ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentrations ([H2S]) in the feedlot, to investigate the effects of dietary S on ruminal [H2S] during transition and finishing, and to determine if dietary S affects the glutathione status of finishing cattle. Steers were strip-grazed on smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermisL.) over a 35 d period and received a dry distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) supplement at 1% of BW (DM basis) that contained either 0.50% S (LS; n = 4 plots) or the DDGS supplement with an additional 0.30% S from sodium sulfate (0.80% S in supplement; HS; n = 4 plots). On d 36 steers were moved from the pastures to feedlot pens with one-half of the steers on each treatment in the pasture period remaining on the same treatment during the feedlot period and half being switched to the other treatment (n = 6 pens). For the first 10 d in the feedlot, steers were fed hay ad libitum and 1% BW of the DDGS supplement representing their new treatment, followed by transition to finishing diets. Dietary S of transition and finishing diets were 0.2% to 0.3% S for LS and 0.5% to 0.6% S for HS. No interaction between pasture and feedlot treatment was observed (P≥ 0.50), so data for the feedlot period were pooled by feedlot treatment (n = 12 pens). Rumen [H2S] were measured on d 35 of the pasture period and on d 46 while receiving ad libitum hay and supplement at 6 h after the feeding of the supplement and after 7 d on each of the 3 transition diets (d 53, 60, and 67) and on d 93, 126, and 155 of the study after receiving the finishing diet for 26, 59, and 88 d at 6 h after feeding. Ruminal [H2S] did not differ between treatment while steers were fed the supplement on forage-based diets. However, ruminal [H2S] of HS-fed steers was greater (P< 0.05) than LS-fed steers when transition diets and the finishing diets were fed. Relative to S intake, ruminal [H2S] increased disproportionally after 26 d on the finishing diet. This was followed by a decrease in [H2S] on d 59 of finishing, although S intake was increased (P< 0.05) compared with d 26 of finishing. It appears that factors other than S intake alone contribute to ruminal [H2S]. The amount of glutathione in the liver of steers did not differ (P= 0.47) because of dietary S, but the concentration of oxidized glutathione increased (P= 0.03) in HS-fed compared with LS-fed steers, suggesting that the potential for oxidative stress in cattle fed high-S diets may warrant further investigation.

Ninety-six crossbred yearling steers (321 ± 29 kg BW) were used to determine the effects of feeding cattle a high S diet on pasture before receiving a high S diet in the feedlot. Steers were blocked by BW, allocated to 2.4-ha bromegrass (Bromus inermisL.) pastures (n = 4 plots per treatment), and supplemented at 1% BW with either low S dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS; 0.34% total diet S; LS) or LS DDGS with additional S (0.47% total diet S; HS) from NaSO4for 36 d. On d 37, steers moved into the feedlot where one-half remained on the previous S treatment and the other half switched treatments, resulting in 4 treatments (LS-LS, LS-HS, HS-LS, HS-HS; LS: 0.2 to 0.3% total diet S, HS: 0.5 to 0.6% total diet S; n = 6 feedlot pens per treatment). During the pasture period, forage mass offered, grazing residual mass, and in vitro digestible DM of forage did not differ among treatments (P> 0.40), and ADG did not differ (LS: 1.6 kg·d−1, HS: 1.7 kg·d−1, P= 0.54). Plasma Mg measured on d 35 was decreased by ∼5% in response to increased dietary S during the pasture period (P= 0.05), though no effect on plasma Mg was observed during finishing (P> 0.15). Plasma Cu concentrations on d 155 were ∼15% less (P= 0.02) in HS vs. LS steers, and d 155 liver Cu concentrations were ∼51% less in HS vs. LS steers (P= 0.01). Increased dietary S during the feedlot period decreased ADG by ∼10% (P= 0.01) and tended to decrease HCW by ∼5% (P= 0.06) compared with LS steers. Steers receiving the HS diet had increased stearic acid (C18:0) and heptadecanoic acid (C17:0; P= 0.04 and 0.01, respectively) percentages in rib facings collected at slaughter. Exposing cattle to greater S diets (0.47% S) during a forage-based diet did not influence later performance on high S feedlot diets (0.5 to 0.6% S); however, cattle fed high dietary S on pasture had greater fat cover at slaughter (P= 0.01), suggesting S may have influenced lipid metabolism.

To examine the effects of cattle breed on the clearance rate of an injectable mineral product, 10 Angus and 10 Simmental steers were blocked by breed and initial BW (332 ± 33 kg) and injected with either Multimin 90 (MM) or sterilized saline (CON) at a dose of 1 mL/45 kg BW. Multimin 90 contains 15 mg Cu/mL (as Cu disodium EDTA), 60 mg Zn/mL (as Zn disodium EDTA), 10 mg Mn/mL (as Mn disodium EDTA), and 5 mg Se/mL (as sodium selenite). Steers received a corn-silage-based diet, and inorganic sources of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se were supplemented at NRC recommended amounts. Jugular blood was collected immediately before injection and at 8 and 10 h post-injection and on days 1, 8, and 15 post-injection. Liver biopsies were collected 3 d before injection and on days 1, 8, and 15 post-injection. Liver and plasma mineral concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity data were analyzed as repeated measures. Plasma concentrations of Zn, Mn, and Se were greater (P = 0.01) and Cu tended to be greater (P = 0.12) post-injection in MM steers compared with the CON steers. Regardless of treatment, Simmental cattle had lower plasma concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se (P ≤ 0.05) when compared with Angus cattle. Erythrocyte GSH-Px activity was greater (P = 0.01) in MM steers compared with CON steers. Liver concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se were greater (P = 0.05) in MM steers compared with CON steers post-injection. Liver Mn concentrations tended to be greater (P = 0.06) in MM steers compared with CON steers in the days post-injection. Interestingly, Simmental cattle exhibited greater (P = 0.01) liver Mn concentrations in the days after injection compared with Angus cattle (7.0 and 6.0 mg Mn/kg for Simmental and Angus cattle, respectively), regardless of treatment. It is unclear if this breed difference is biologically relevant; however, these data may suggest that differences in liver excretion of Mn exist between the two breeds. Overall, use of an injectable trace mineral increased liver concentrations of Cu and Se through the 15-d sampling period, suggesting that this injectable mineral is an adequate way to improve Cu and Se status of cattle through at least 15 d.

To provide further insights into ruminant lipid digestion and metabolism, and into cis-9,trans-11 18:2 synthesis, 12 growing Engadine lambs grazing either mountain pasture (2,250 m above sea level; n = 6) or lowland pasture (400 m above sea level; n = 6) were studied. Both pastures consisted exclusively of C(3) plants. Before the experiment, all animals grazed a common pasture for 6 wk. Grasses and perirenal adipose tissues of the sheep were analyzed for fatty acids by gas chromatography. Stable C-isotope ratios (δ(13)C values in ‰ vs. the Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite standard) were determined in the composite samples by elemental analysis-isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The δ(13)C of the individual fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The δ(13)C value of the entire mountain pasture grass was -27.5‰ (SD 0.31), whereas that of the lowland pasture grass was -30.0‰ (SD 0.07). This difference was reflected in the perirenal adipose tissues of the corresponding sheep (P < 0.05), even though the δ(13)C values were less in the animals than in the grass. The δ(13)C values for cis-9 16:1 and cis-9 18:1 in perirenal fat differed between mountain and lowland lambs (P < 0.05). The 16:0 in the adipose tissue was enriched in (13)C by 5‰ compared with the dietary 16:0, likely as a result of partly endogenous synthesis. The δ(13)C values of cis-9,trans-11 18:2 (cis-9,trans-11 CLA) in the adipose tissue were smaller than those of its dietary precursors, cis-9,cis-12 18:2 and cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 18:3; conversely, the δ(13)C values of trans-11 18:1 were not, suggesting that large proportions of perirenal cis-9,trans-11 18:2 were of endogenous origin and discrimination against (13)C occurred during Δ(9)-desaturation. The same discrimination was indicated by the isotopic shift between 16:0 and cis-9 16:1 in the mountain grazing group. Furthermore, the δ(13)C values of cis-9,trans-11 18:2 were smaller relative to the precursor fatty acids in the mountain lambs compared with the lowland group. This result suggests a reduced extent of biohydrogenation in lambs grazing on mountain grass in comparison with those grazing on lowland grass. This was supported by the smaller cis-9,trans-11 18:2 concentrations in total fatty acids found in the adipose tissues of the lowland lambs (P < 0.001). The results of this study demonstrate that natural differences between δ(13)C values of swards from different pastures and the adipose tissue fatty acids could be used as tracers in studies of lipid metabolism in ruminants.

This paper describes the determination of diclofenac (DCF) in pharmaceutical formulations using flow injection method with multiple pulse amperometric detection. Unmodified boron‐doped diamond (BDD) is used as working electrode and 0.10 mol L−1sulfuric acid as supporting electrolyte. The system exhibited sharp current response peaks and excellent stability of the analytical signal (RSD=1.0 %, n=10). The linear response range from 5 to 50 µmol L−1was obtained by using an injected volume of 50 µL, with good correlation coefficient (R=0.998). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were found to be 0.14 and 0.46 µmol L−1, respectively. The sampling frequency was calculated about 135 injections h−1.

Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was used to study the red luminescence band from freestanding GaN grown on LiAlO2 substrate by hydride vapor phase epitaxy. The red luminescence band was observed with its peak at 1.78 eV and 1.85 eV at 10 K and 300 K, respectively. Temperature-dependent PL data show that the 1.78 eV red band is due to a donor-acceptor pair (DAP) transition. Excitation-intensity-dependent PL measurements at 10 K and 300 K reveal that the 1.85 eV band at 300 K is the overlap of the DAP band and the electron-to-acceptor (e, A0) transition band. Ion-implantation experiments confirmed that both carbon and oxygen impurities are involved in the red luminescence transition. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Doping TiO2with nitrogen is recognized as a procedure to get sensitization of this material with visible light. In the present work, incorporation of nitrogen within the structure of TiO2thin films has been accomplished by N2ion implantation in TiO2anatase thin films (50 keV ion energy for doses of 3 × 1016, 6 × 1016, and 1.2 × 1017ions cm-2) and during preparation by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) using nitrogen as carrier gas. The analysis of the samples by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and for the MOCVD samples also by secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) has shown that nitrogen, in the form of nitride-like species, (N/Ti ratios of 0.03 and 0.12 for the MOCVD and the implanted samples, respectively) has become effectively incorporated within the structure of TiO2. The water contact angle on the implanted thin films varied from about 80° to around 30° when illuminated with visible light, depending on the ion dose. Similarly, the MOCVD samples showed a sharp decrease in wetting contact angle under visible light from about 80° to 55°. In the two cases, the thin films reach total hydrophilicity by posterior UV irradiation. To account for these results, the possible existence of specific excitation mechanisms for visible or UV photons, the former involving the incorporated nitrogen atoms, is discussed.

N-type doping of GaN in hydride vapour phase epitaxy (HVPE) has been studied. While silane was found to be not suitable, doping from solid silicon was found to be feasible but difficult to handle. Dichlorosilane was found to be a convenient Si doping source for HVPE growth of GaN. High electron mobilities as well as good optical and structural properties are obtained in the doping range of 6 × 1017 cm–3 to 8 × 1018 cm–3 using dichlorosilane. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

A 230 µm thick free standing GaN layer has been grown on a LiAlO2 substrate by hydride vapor phase epitaxy, with the separation of the layer from the substrate occuring spontaneously during cooling down after growth. A strong green luminescence band is observed from the top surface, while from the bottom surface, strong blue and red bands are seen in photoluminescence (PL). The evolution of these luminescence bands with layer thickness was monitored by cross-sectional cathodoluminescence (CL). PL and CL measurements indicate that the defect structure changes with growing layer thickness. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

The theoretical possibilities of improving the adhesion between a polypropylene matrix and cellulose natural fibres are well known. However, less is known of how the way of adding MAH‐PP products into the composite impacts the adhesion. By comparing mat processes and granule processes this influence on the adhesive effect can be seen. A new process manufacturing natural fibre reinforced granules ( developed in TITK ) was used for these comparisons. It could be shown that the adhesive obviously influences the critical fibre length.

This study focused on the effect of ion implantation on the mechanical properties of silicon nitride based ceramics. The examined materials contained 4% Al2O3, 6% Y2O3 and, in some cases, graphite or black carbon additives. Fully densified bodies were manufactured by two-step hot isostatic pressing, in other experiments pressureless sintering gave porous ceramics. Nitrogen or carbon ions with 190 keV or 350 keV were implanted, a part of samples obtained laser treatments for comparison. Measurements of elastic modulus, four point and three point bending strength were carried out at room temperature on sintered samples, partially sintered samples and sintered and oxidised samples. Carbon or nitrogen implantation influenced the strength of partially sintered samples only if the density was over 80%. Both the implantation of carbon or nitrogen ions and the laser treatment affected the bend strength of sintered samples, enlarging the power introduced its value first increased than decreased. Implantation slightly decreased the strength of samples oxidised at 1400 °C. Comparison of different mechanical characteristics may support a better understanding of phenomena during ion beam implantation or laser irradiation.

Abstract. Detection and dating of infants' fractures plays an important role in the diagnosis of the battered child syndrome. Under this aspect three cases of infants with multiple fractures of different ages due to child abuse were evaluated post-mortem. Radiological findings were compared with the autopsy results, followed by contact radiography and histopathological assessment. Out of a total of 44 osseous lesions, 27 fractures were diagnosed by post-mortem skeletal survey, additionally 5 recent rib fractures were suspected, 4 of which were confirmed histologically and all were located paravertebrally. The fractures not detected radiologically were mostly recent rib fractures diagnosed or suspected at autopsy or by contact radiography and confirmed histologically. The histological investigation allowed a more precise dating of the fractures, particularly with reference to the early stages of fracture healing. Microscopic signs of fracture healing processes, such as periosteal thickening, osteoid production and calcification of soft callus tissue, can be detected earlier and quantified more accurately. In advanced stages of healing the osseous apposition rate can be measured semiquantitatively up to a certain extent. A scheme involving a careful external investigation, skeletal survey, autopsy, contact radiography and histology has been proven useful for diagnosing and dating infants' fractures.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is viewed as a fuel sensor for glucose and lipid metabolism. To understand better the physiological role of the catalytic AMPK subunit isoforms, we generated two knockout mouse models with the α1 (AMPKα1−/−) and α2 (AMPKα2−/−) catalytic subunit genes deleted. No defect in glucose homoeostasis was observed in AMPKα1−/− mice. On the other hand, AMPKα2−/− mice presented high plasma glucose levels and low plasma insulin concentrations in the fed period and during the glucose tolerance test. Nevertheless, in isolated AMPKα2−/− pancreatic islets, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was not affected. Surprisingly, AMPKα2−/− mice were insulin-resistant and had reduced muscle glycogen synthesis as assessed in vivo by the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp procedure. Reduction of insulin sensitivity and glycogen synthesis were not dependent on the lack of AMPK in skeletal muscle, since mice expressing a dominant inhibitory mutant of AMPK in skeletal muscle were not affected and since insulin-stimulated glucose transport in incubated muscles in vitro was normal in AMPKα2−/− muscles. Furthermore, AMPKα2−/− mice have a higher sympathetic tone, as shown by increased catecholamine urinary excretion. Increased adrenergic tone could explain both decreased insulin secretion and insulin resistance observed in vivo in AMPKα2−/− mice. We suggest that the α2 catalytic subunit of AMPK plays a major role as a fuel sensor by modulating the activity of the autonomous nervous system in vivo.

This work reports on optimization of MOVPE growth procedures for high-quality, highly uniform (4 inch) and highly reliable Ga0.5In0.5P/GaAs-HBTs in a commercial multiwafer reactor. Appropriately to this application the main focus of research have been improvements in base-layer transport properties and their implications for HBT device characteristics and reliability. Different carbon-doping techniques are compared with regard to GaAs:C material quality and GaInP/GaAs-HBT device performance. Base-doping homogeneity and hydrogen incorporation were further aspects of optimization. The obtained differences in HBT device performance and reliability depending on base-growth conditions confirm the importance of optimization of this particular step in the growth process.

Unter atmosphärischen Bedingungen bildet Magnesium Oxidschichten aus, die im wesentlichen aus Magnesiumhydroxid bestehen. Die Schutzwirkung von Mg(OH)2 in sulfat-, karbonat- oder chloridhaltigen Lösungen ist jedoch nur gering [2, 18]. Außerdem kommt es aufgrund kristallographischer Fehlpassung zwischen Magnesium und Magnesiumhydroxid zur Rissbildung in der Hydroxidschicht und metallische Oberfläche wird freigelegt. Mit Hilfe der Ionenimplantation von Sauerstoff (1*10¹⁸ O⁺/cm²) können vergrabene MgO-Schichten erzeugt werden. In Vorversuchen haben sich durch Implantation erzeugte MgO-Schichten als erfolgversprechender Korrosionsschutz angedeutet [17]. Kristallographische Spannungen zwischen Metall- und Oxidphase werden aufgrund des Gradienten der Sauerstoffkonzentration in der Tiefe des Metallvolumens abgebaut. Die Untersuchungen in schwach saurer Natriumsulfatlösung zeigen, daß die Sauerstoffionenimplantation zu einer deutlichen Verbesserung der Korrosionseigenschaften von Magnesium führt.

Unter atmosphärischen Bedingungen bildet Magnesium Oxidschichten aus, die im wesentlichen aus Magnesiumhydroxid bestehen. Die Schutzwirkung von Mg(OH)2 in sulfat-, karbonat- oder chloridhaltigen Lösungen ist jedoch nur gering [2, 18]. Außerdem kommt es aufgrund kristallographischer Fehlpassung zwischen Magnesium und Magnesiumhydroxid zur Rissbildung in der Hydroxidschicht und metallische Oberfläche wird freigelegt. Mit Hilfe der Ionenimplantation von Sauerstoff (1*10¹⁸ O⁺/cm²) können vergrabene MgO-Schichten erzeugt werden. In Vorversuchen haben sich durch Implantation erzeugte MgO-Schichten als erfolgversprechender Korrosionsschutz angedeutet [17]. Kristallographische Spannungen zwischen Metall- und Oxidphase werden aufgrund des Gradienten der Sauerstoffkonzentration in der Tiefe des Metallvolumens abgebaut. Die Untersuchungen in schwach saurer Natriumsulfatlösung zeigen, daß die Sauerstoffionenimplantation zu einer deutlichen Verbesserung der Korrosionseigenschaften von Magnesium führt.

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Bemessungshilfen für Verbundstützen aus einem betongefüllten runden Stahlrohr mit massivem Einstellprofil vorgestellt. Es wird gezeigt, wie die vorhandenen Erfahrungen aus der Vielzahl projektgebundener Gutachten für die Erstellung brandschutztechnischer Bemessungshilfen nutzbar gemacht werden können. Damit erhält die Praxis leicht anwendbare, schnell und sicher zu Ergebnissen führende Bemessungshilfen.

Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit dem vereinfachten rechnerischen Nachweis des Lastfalls Brand für Straßentunnel aus der ZTV‐Tunnel Teil 2. Es werden die Grundlagen erläutert und durch Vergleich mit Versuchswerten belegt. Mit Hilfe des vereinfachten Nachweisverfahrens wird die im Brandfall vorhandene Momentengrenzlinie ermittelt. Die Bewehrungsführung muß dieser Momentengrenzlinie angepaßt werden, um die im Brandfall vergrößerten Momente in den Rahmenknoten und die dadurch ins Feld verschobene negative Momentenbeanspruchung abzudecken.

Titanium surfaces were treated by exposing them to a beam of sodium ions. Sodium titanate was shown to be incorporated within the oxidic titanium surface. The ionimplanted surfaces were examined for their reactivity by immersion in a simulated body fluid, which showed the formation of surfacebound hydroxyapatite. The surface was characterized by Xray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Xray photoelectron spectroscopy, and optical and electron microscopy. The surface hydroxyl concentration was determined using the nuclear reaction 1H15N, αγ12C. Surfacerelated parameters that may affect hydroxyapatite nucleation are discussed in terms of the electrical double layer. © 2001 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 59: 716–724, 2002

1Age‐associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength can partly be counteracted by resistance training, causing a net synthesis of muscular proteins. Protein synthesis is influenced synergistically by postexercise amino acid supplementation, but the importance of the timing of protein intake remains unresolved.2The study investigated the importance of immediate (P0) or delayed (P2) intake of an oral protein supplement upon muscle hypertrophy and strength over a period of resistance training in elderly males.3Thirteen men (age, 74 ± 1 years; body mass index (BMI), 25 ± 1 kg m−2(means ± S.E.M.)) completed a 12 week resistance training programme (3 times per week) receiving oral protein in liquid form (10 g protein, 7 g carbohydrate, 3 g fat) immediately after (P0) or 2 h after (P2) each training session. Muscle hypertrophy was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and from muscle biopsies and muscle strength was determined using dynamic and isokinetic strength measurements. Body composition was determined from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and food records were obtained over 4 days. The plasma insulin response to protein supplementation was also determined.4In response to training, the cross‐sectional area of m. quadriceps femoris (54.6 ± 0.5 to 58.3 ± 0.5 cm2) and mean fibre area (4047 ± 320 to 5019 ± 615 μm2) increased in the P0 group, whereas no significant increase was observed in P2. For P0 both dynamic and isokinetic strength increased, by 46 and 15 %, respectively (P< 0.05), whereas P2 only improved in dynamic strength, by 36 % (P< 0.05). No differences in glucose or insulin response were observed between protein intake at 0 and 2 h postexercise.5We conclude that early intake of an oral protein supplement after resistance training is important for the development of hypertrophy in skeletal muscle of elderly men in response to resistance training.

A virtual reality training system is presented, simulating an ultrasound examination of a baby's head. Unlike books or traditional multimedia programs, it allows interactive exploration of a detailed three-dimensional anatomical model, based on MRI and matched ultrasound data. About 30 structures have been labeled and described, and can thus be interrogated directly on the screen. The advantages of dealing with real anatomy are thus combined with the advantages of learning from a book. The program may be used on any standard PC.

Substitutions of codon 306 in the gene embB are the most common mutations found in ethambutol resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The characterization of these mutations has been hampered by the need for prior cultivation of the mycobacteria, or the need for DNA sequencing, or both. Here, we describe a simple and culture-independent technique to detect embB codon 306 mutations directly from sputum samples, requiring little more than a PCR machine and a simple agarose minigel. There is no need for labelled probes or DNA sequencing. In a preliminary test of feasibility, interpretable results were obtained from 21 of 24 selected sputum samples, 12 of which were determined to contain ethambutol resistant M. tuberculosis after culture. All of six samples with embB codon 306 mutations were correctly identified. Although an exact validation of this technique is beyond the scope of this technical report, we conclude from well-known embB codon 306 mutation prevalence figures that approximately one half of EMB resistant cases could already be predicted within 2 working days, with little equipment or hands-on time needed, instead of weeks required for conventional resistance testing.

We report high pressure Raman studies on as‐prepared, purified, and solubilized single‐walled and aligned multi‐walled carbon nanotubes. The pressure dependence of radial (R) and tangential (T) vibrational bands in these samples is measured and compared with the results from other studies. In single‐walled nanotubes, an abrupt drop in the intensity of these bands is seen near 2 GPa, indicative of a phase transition. Experiments on single (unbundled) tubes reveal a ≈10 cm—1upshift of the R band relative to its frequency in bundled tubes. This is opposite to the predictions of calculations that include the intertube van der Waals interaction only and is explained by the changes in the electronic band dispersion driven by tube–tube interactions. Surprisingly, the pressure dependence of the R and T bands in unbundled tubes is very similar to that seen in bundled tubes, which indicates that the changes in the electronic band structure might significantly influence the pressure dependence.

We report high pressure Raman studies on as-prepared, purified, and solubilized single-walled and aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The pressure dependence of radial (R) and tangential (T) vibrational bands in these samples is measured and compared with the results from other studies. In single-walled nanotubes, an abrupt drop in the intensity of these bands is seen near 2 GPa, indicative of a phase transition. Experiments on single (unbundled) tubes reveal a ≈10 cm—1 upshift of the R band relative to its frequency in bundled tubes. This is opposite to the predictions of calculations that include the intertube van der Waals interaction only and is explained by the changes in the electronic band dispersion driven by tube–tube interactions. Surprisingly, the pressure dependence of the R and T bands in unbundled tubes is very similar to that seen in bundled tubes, which indicates that the changes in the electronic band structure might significantly influence the pressure dependence.