Dispersion of carbon nanotubes using organic solvents.

Phenyl ethyl alcohol was used for fast and stable dispersion of carbon nanotubes. This solvent, more effective than ethanol and toluene, allows easy dispersion of carbon nanotubes for TEM characterization. For TEM grids prepared at high dilution, it is possible to observe each tube separately. Applying that solvent, it was possible to measure the length, the diameter and the solubility of different carbon nanotubes samples.

Acquisition and extinction of somatic symptoms in response to odours: a Pavlovian paradigm relevant to multiple chemical sensitivity.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple chemical sensitivity is a poorly understood syndrome in which various symptoms are triggered by chemically unrelated, but often odorous substances, at doses below those known to be harmful. This study focuses on the process of pavlovian acquisition and extinction of somatic symptoms triggered by odours. METHODS: Diluted ammonia and butyric acid were odorous conditioned stimuli (CS). The unconditioned stimulus (US) was 7.4% CO2 enriched air. One odour (CS+) was presented together with the US for 2 minutes (CS+ trial), and the other odour (CS-) was presented with air (CS-trial). Three CS+ and three CS-exposures were run in a semi-randomised order; this as the acquisition (conditioning) phase. To test the effect of the conditioning, each subject then had one CS+ only--that is, CS+ without CO2--and one CS- test exposure. Next, half the subjects (n = 32) received five additional CS+ only exposures (extinction group), while the other half received five exposures to breathing air (wait group). Finally, all subjects got one CS+ only test exposure to test the effect of the extinction. Ventilatory responses were measured during and somatic symptoms after each exposure. RESULTS: More symptoms were reported upon exposure to CS+ only than to CS-odours, regardless of the odour type. Altered respiratory rate was only found when ammonia was CS+. Five extinction trials were sufficient to reduce the level of acquired symptoms. CONCLUSION: Subjects can acquire somatic symptoms and altered respiratory behaviour in response to harmless, but odorous chemical substances, if these odours have been associated with a physiological challenge that originally had caused these symptoms. The conditioned symptoms can subsequently be reduced in an extinction procedure. The study further supports the plausibility of a pavlovian conditioning hypothesis to explain the pathogenesis of MCS.

Contribution to our knowledge of Trichophyton megninii.

In addition to its requirement for histidine, Trichophyton megninii can be readily differentiated from certain other dermatophytes, particularly Trichophyton rubrum, by its "+" mating type and a positive urease test on urea-indole broth.

Isolation of saprophytic Microsporum praecox Rivalier from sites associated with horses.

Several M. praecox isolates of saprophytic origin were obtained in Belgium from horses and their surroundings. Visualization of macroconidia in dust collected in stables proved its saprophytic origin. A few strains were obtained from human cases of tinea corporis.