Effect of complexation of oxidised corn starch with mineral elements on physicochemical properties

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of complexation of oxidised starch with mineral elements on its physicochemical properties. Corn starch was oxidised with sodium hypochlorite and, afterwards, modified with ions of potassium, magnesium and iron. Thus, native and modified starches were analysed for: contents of mineral elements, colour parameters (L*a*b*), water binding capacity and solubility in water at temperature of 60 and 80 °C. Thermodynamic characteristics of gelatinisation by DSC, molecular weight distribution by GPC, intrinsic viscosity and pasting properties by RVA were studied. The efficiency of incorporation of metal ions into oxidised corn starch was about 30%, 20% and 20% for potassium, magnesium and iron ions, respectively. The complexation with potassium ions caused the greatest changes in the molecular weight distribution and the intrinsic viscosity of starches and viscosity of starch pastes. Only modification of starch with iron ions affected the colour parameters of the starch. Incorporation of metal ions into starch resulted also in changes in its water binding capacity and solubility in water.     

用于便携无线设备的Wireless TrenchTM技术

射频电路设计人员常用的一条经验法则是:有源器件的fT至少应为工作频率的十倍时,现代无线设备中的射频电路才会具有良好的性能.     

Manufacturing method for monolithic dye-sensitised solar cells permitting long-term stable low-power modules

A manufacturing technique for monolithic dye-sensitised solar cells is presented. Encapsulated modules designed for indoor low-power applications have been prepared using industrial methods and equipment. Under certain conditions (light intensity <5000 lx, temperature between –10°C and 50°C, and relative humidity of appr. 50%), the modules have performed well and shown excellent long-term stability. Moreover, modules withstand illumination in combination with storage at 100% relative humidity. However, a certain degradation of the module performance takes place at illuminations exceeding 5000 lx and temperatures exceeding 50°C.     

High optical power electroabsorption waveguide modulator

A sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector-laser integrated with a waveguide Franz-Keldysh modulator is investigated for high optical power applications. The EAM modulation efficiency is demonstrated to asymptotically approach a limit determined by the internal differential photodetector efficiency. Linear photocurrent and 1 dB small signal AC compression point both exceed 70 mA, indicating high saturation power.     

DETERMINATION OF TOTAL NITROGEN IN BARLEY AND MALT BY COMBUSTION METHOD—COLLABORATIVE TRIAL

A combustion method, relying on the Dumas principle, for the determination of total nitrogen in barley and malt, has been collaboratively tested by the Analysis Committee of the European Brewery Convention. Repeatability, r₉₅, and reproducibility, R₉₅, values were 0.063 and 0.116% of dry matter, respectively, for samples with nitrogen contents in the range 1.23 to 1.86% N of dry matter. There was no significant difference between these values for barley and malt. The Analysis Committee approved the adoption of the combustion method for inclusion in Analytica EBC as an alternative method.     

A study of patient-related characteristics and outcome after moderate injury

The purpose of all injury care is to restore patients' pre-injury functioning and to facilitate the return to normal activities. The aim of this prospective study was to describe and analyse psychiatric factors and other patient-related characteristics which influence long-term results after moderate injuries. One hundred and sixty-nine injured patients were randomized to go through a comprehensive psychosocial research protocol and to participate in the 12 month follow up. The 49 patients lost to follow-up differed significantly from all other patients. They were more often single, blue-collar workers with a lower educational level and had a less favourable psychosocial background, including alcohol abuse. The 120 patients who completed the follow-up were divided in two groups: the non-recovered group (NR, N = 58), patients reporting limitations in performing their work and/or limitations in carrying out housework and/or in social life, and the recovered group (R, N = 62), patients reporting full recovery or only minor limitations in exercise or sports 12 months after the injury. The NR patients were older (P < 0.05), had a slightly higher injury Severity Score (P < 0.01) and showed signs of depression both during the acute post-injury period and at 1 year follow up (P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that measurements of pain and depression during the acute post-injury period were associated with the functional outcome after 12 months. Co-operation between injury and psychiatric units should be developed to identify patients needing psychosocial or psychiatric support during the early phase of rehabilitation.     

Fractionation of wheat proteins by counter-current distribution using aqueous two-phase systems containing propionic acid

Wheat proteins, soluble in diluted acid (glutenins), have been fractionated by counter-current distribution (CCD) using an aqueous two-phase system. The phase system is based on poly(ethylene glycol) and dextran but contains also 1% propionic acid and 6 mM magnesium sulfate. Approximately half of the bulk proteins partitioned to the upper phase while starch and other particles were recovered only into the lower phase. Whole wheat flour could be applied as sample for the CCD and 57 transfers were carried out. Starch and insoluble proteins remained stationary, while proteins followed the mobile phase to various degrees giving rise to a distribution pattern. The CCD pattern of the proteins showed distinct differences when various kinds of wheat flour were analysed. The patterns indicate that at least six subpopulations of proteins can be obtained by using two-phase extraction.     

A Mass Transport Model for Drying Wood under Isothermal Conditions

Mass transport in wood during drying can have different mechanisms at different periods of drying. Depending on the current moisture content (MC) and the structure of the wood, the driving forces for the mass transport are essentially different. Above the fiber saturation point (FSP), the lumens are partially saturated and the transport of liquid (free) water occurs as a consequence of capillary action. On the other hand, below the FSP, bound water within the cell walls is conveyed by diffusion, and water vapor in the lumens moves under influence of pressures gradient. Based on these considerations, a unified model is presented that takes into account the transport of the different moisture phases. Simulation of the drying of a Norway spruce sample at 50°C from about 135 to 7% MC is carried out using the finite element method (FEM). Comparison between the simulated average MC and the experimental observations obtained from X-ray computed tomography (CT) shows reasonable agreement. Possible simplifications in the model are briefly discussed as well as some aspects of the numerical implementation. Finally, the influence of absolute permeability on the average MC is studied.