Basic gel-permeation chromatography studies. I. Polymer degradation

Polymer degradation has been studied by using gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) to measure the product distribution. The method is rapid and has a good accuracy that permits one to see most of the degradation products, as they elute at a point different from the starting material. In the cases studied, polystyrene cleavage has the result of random cleavage, as judged by the product distribution. A GPC curve to be expected from random cleavage has been put together to aid in the evaluation. Both wide and narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrenes have been studied after degradation. The narrow distribution products were degraded by peroxides, irradiation, and weathering. With the latter, the combination of simple fragments to form the starting portions of cromslinking were measured in small amounts. In none of the cases studied did degradation in solution produce crosslinked products. Kinetic rate studies were made that concerned the action of peroxides and inhibitors.     

Fluoroprostaglandins: synthesis and biological evaluation of the methyl esters of (+)-12-fluoro-, (-)-ent-12-fluoro-, (+)-15-epi-fluoro-, and (-)-ent-15 epi-12-fluoroprostaglandin F2 alpha

The synthesis and biological activity of the methyl esters of (+)-12-fluoroPGF2 alpha, (+)-15-epi-12-fluoroPGF2 alpha, (-)-ent-12-flurorPGF2 alpha, and (-)-ent-15-epi-12-fluoroPGF2 alpha are described. Each fluoroprostaglandin has been evaluated from pregnancy interruption in the hamster and smooth-muscle stimulating effects on gerbil colon and hamster uterine strips. All fluoroprostaglandins synthesized were shown to be neither substrates for the 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase nor inhibitors of the enzyme.     

Evaluation of the biliary tree: a comparison of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and ultrasonography

After we examined 45 patients with jaundice, using both percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and ultrasonography, our results suggest that ultrasound is useful as an early screening procedure in evaluating patients with jaundice.     

Superinfection exclusion by bacteriophage T7

Only two of the early genes of bacteriophage T7 were found to play a significant role in exclusion of superinfecting bacteriophage T3 particles; genes 0.3 and 1. Protein synthesis by the preinfecting phage particle was not required for efficient exclusion. These findings are discussed with regard to the known functions of these genes during T7 development.