Three‐dimensional analysis of segmented pie bicomponent nonwovens

Three‐dimensional structural analysis utilizing digital volumetric imaging is used to fully understand the splitting of bicomponent fibers by hydroentangling. It was found that lower fabric density measured by solid volume fraction, higher degree of splitting and a higher thickness fiber orientation direction was evident at the jet streak valley position. Splitting was found to be more dominant on the surface of the fabrics. Washing the fabric increased fiber splitting and also resulted in more uniform splitting, but did not result in any significant change in local fiber orientation, that is, the structure.     

Proteomic analysis of 17β-estradiol degradation by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Microbial degradation plays a critical role in determining the environmental fate of steroid hormones, such as 17β-estradiol (E2). The molecular mechanisms governing the microbial transformation of E2 and its primary degradation intermediate, estrone (E1), are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to identify metabolism pathways that might be involved in microbial estrogen degradation. To achieve the objective, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain ZL1 was used as a model estrogen degrading bacterium and its protein expression level during E2/E1 degradation was studied using quantitative proteomics. During an E2 degradation experiment, strain ZL1 first converted E2 to E1 stoichiometrically. At 16 h E1 reached its peak concentration, and microbial growth started. At the same time, enzymes involved in certain catabolic and anabolic pathways were most highly expressed compared to the other time points tested. Among those enzymes, the ones involved in protein and lipid biosyntheses were observed to be particularly active. Based on the metabolite information from a previous study and the proteomic data from this study, we hypothesized that S. maltophilia strain ZL1 was able to convert E1 to amino acid tyrosine through ring cleavage on a saturated ring of the E1 molecule and then utilize tyrosine in protein biosynthesis.     

Genome analysis of Lactobacillus fermentum temperate bacteriophage ФPYB5

The complete genomic sequence of Lactobacillus fermentum temperate bacteriophage ФPYB5 was determined. The phage possesses a linear, double-stranded DNA genome of 32,847 bp with a G + C content of 45.21%. A total of 46 putative open reading frames (ORFs) were identified. On the basis of homology comparisons, 25 ORFs could be assigned putative functions. The genome of bacteriophage ФPYB5 is highly modular with functionally related genes clustered together. Genome DNA of temperate bacteriophage ФPYB5, induced from heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria, showed to be closely related to that of the prophage of heterofermentative Lactobacillus reuteri 100-23 and heterofermetative Leuconostoc oenos bacteriophage 10MC in an evolutionary aspect.     

Amyloglucosidase-catalyzed synthesis of n-octyl-d-glucoside—analysis using response surface methodology

Amyloglucosidase (3.2.1.3)-catalyzed synthesis of n-octyl-d-glucoside was optimized using response surface methodology. A central composite rotatable design involving 32 experiments of five variables at five levels was employed to study the glucosylation reaction. Among the variables studied, namely, n-octanol (15–75 MEq to d-glucose), enzyme (20–100 mg ), pH (4.0–8.0), buffer volume (0.2–1.0 ml) and temperature (30–70°C), amyloglucosidase concentration, pH and temperature were found to be significant. Experimental data fitted the second-order polynomial equation well, as indicated by an R² value of 0.895. Validation experiments carried out under predicted conditions showed good correspondence between experimental and predicted yields. Various surface plots were generated to describe the relationship between operating variables and the conversion yields. The highest yield of 53.5% predicted at optimum conditions of 75 Eq n-octanol, 20 mg amyloglucosidase, 0.2 ml, pH 7.8 buffer at 50 °C showed good correspondence to the experimental yield of 53.8% under these conditions.     

The analysis of 5′-mononucleotides in infant formulae by HPLC

A method is described for the determination of four 5′-mononucleotides (cytidine 5′-monophosphate, uridine 5′-monophosphate, adenosine 5′-monophosphate and guanosine 5′-monophosphate) in infant formulae. Nucleosides which may be formed during processing can also be analysed simultaneously. This method is based on deproteinisation of samples and direct analysis by ion-pair HPLC using two Nucleosil 120-C₁₈ columns in series, followed by diode-array detection. This method gives good recoveries of 5′-mononucleotides from spiked infant formula products. However, some chromatographic interferences were observed when analysing hypoallergenic infant formulae containing hydrolysed proteins which made peak quantification difficult. To overcome this problem a strong anion-exchange solid-phase extraction (SPE) column was used. Four SPE columns from different suppliers were evaluated, but the best recoveries of all four 5′-mononucleotides and highest reproducibility of results were obtained with Bakerbond® quaternary amine columns. Nucleosides, which may occur in very low concentrations in hypoallergenic products, are not retained on the SPE columns and so cannot be analysed by this technique.     

Geometrical analysis of co‐woven knitted preform for composite reinforcement

In this paper, a co‐woven knitted (CWK) structure for composite reinforcement is presented. Based on the experimental observations, its unit cell and representative volume element (RVE) geometries were identified along with the idealized cross‐sectional shapes of the weft, warp and stitch yarns. A geometrical model for the RVE was proposed and the mathematical equations were derived to describe the relationships between the geometrical parameters and process variables. The model was verified with the experimental data and good agreements were obtained between the calculations and measurements of different yarn lengths in a RVE. The inserted and stitch fiber volume fractions as well as total fiber volume fraction were calculated and their variations with the stitch‐to‐inserted yarn linear density ratio under different fabric tightness factors were discussed. The geometrical model provides a basis for the establishment of process windows for the CWK preforms as well as for the prediction of the mechanical behavior of the CWK‐reinforced composites.     

GC–MS analysis of essential oil of some commercial Fennel teas

Fennel teas were prepared by classical infusion or microwave decoction of unbroken and crushed fruits, three pre-packaged teabags and two instant teas. Their volatile constituents were obtained by extraction with n-hexane and analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS), using two columns with stationary phases of different polarity. Of the constituents 85–95% were identified on the basis of their GC retention times and their mass spectra in relation to authentic compounds. No volatile constituents were detected in one sample of instant tea. Conventional teas from crushed fruits and teas prepared from the other instant tea showed the highest levels of volatile constituents. Anethole (30–90%) and/or anisaldehyde (0.7–51%) were the main constituents of all the samples. Methychavicol (0.8–4.1%), eugenol (1.5–11.3%) and fenchone (0.5–47%) were detected in most samples. Carvone (2.1–6.1%) was presenting only some teabags and camphor (2.3–2.6%) in others. The volatile constituents of only one instant tea included limonene (1.4%) and α-terpineol (0.4%).     

纱线外观质量检测的新系统YAS（yarn analysis system）

本文介绍了纱线外观质量检测系统YAS的组成及应用。     

A cross‐cluster and cross‐region analysis of fashion brand extensions

To obtain sustainable growth in revenue and market share, many fashion brands deploy category extensions and line extensions. In this paper, we examine how different fashion brands in Europe, North America, and Asia execute their brand extension strategies over different periods. By classifying different fashion brands into four clusters according to different price points and fashion contents, we conduct a cross‐region and cross‐cluster analysis to examine how different fashion brands execute their brand extension strategies. Our analysis is based on publicly available data associated with 48 fashion brands over a 90‐year period. We discuss our findings along with managerial insights.     

Development of a recombinant ε-poly-L-lysine synthetase expression system to perform mutational analysis

ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) synthetase (Pls), which is a membrane protein with adenylation and thiolation domains characteristic of the nonribosomal peptide synthetases, catalyzes polymerization of L-lysine molecules (25-mer to 35-mer). Here, we report on the development of a recombinant Pls expression system that allowed us to perform a site-directed mutational analysis.     

On-line RPLC–GC analysis of terpenes using polydimethylsiloxane as a packing material

The effectiveness of absorbent polymers as packing materials alternative to adsorbents in the interface of the on-line coupling of RPLC to GC via PTV for the analysis of terpenes in orange juice was evaluated. To that aim, a comparative study of an absorbent (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS), and an adsorbent (Tenax TA) was carried out. As a result, satisfactory repeatability was achieved from both packing materials obtaining relative standard deviation values lower than 10% in most cases. Regarding sensitivity, higher recoveries and far lower detection limits were however attained by using PDMS as the packing material inside the PTV injector. Specifically for PDMS the recoveries varied from 52% to 63% whereas in the case of Tenax TA values ranging from 10% to 22% were obtained. Detection limits varied from 1.5 to 1.9 ppb for PDMS and from 30 to 1900 ppb with Tenax TA. In addition to the sensitivity enhancement, PDMS proved to be more effective in the elimination of the solvent coming from the RPLC-pre-separation. Besides, PDMS is more thermally stable and, as a consequence, it results in lesser degradation products.     

Formation of oligosaccharides from whey UF-permeate by enzymatic hydrolysis — analysis of factors

Two-level fractional factorial experiments were designed to study effects of enzyme (0.05 and 0.1%) and initial lactose concentrations (L_o: 14 and 23%), pH (5.0 and 7.0) and temperature (35 and 45 °C) on enzymatic formation of oligosaccharides (OS) from whey UF-permeate in a batch reactor. β-d-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae (A), Kluyveromyces lactis (B) and K. fragilis (C) were compared. Hydrolysis with B and C gave comparable yields which were higher than that from A at identical conditions. L_o did not influence reaction time, but concentration of OS significantly increased by increasing L_o for all enzymes. Increasing L_o reduced the yield after hydrolysis with A and B, but improved the yield for C. L_o had negligible effect on degree of hydrolysis (DH) for A and C. However, increasing L_o significantly lowered DH for B. Increasing enzyme concentration significantly reduced reaction time for A, but it had no effect on that for B and C. DH significantly decreased after increasing concentration of A. Consequently, OS and yield were reduced. Applying B and C at higher concentration improved DH, OS and yield. Increasing temperature or pH reduced DH, OS and yield for A, but increased the responses for B and C.     

Confirmatory analysis of steroids in muscle using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A method is described for screening and confirmation of synthetic and endogenous steroids in muscle tissue. The method is sensitive, selective, and rapid and the consumption of organic solvents is low, compared to previously published methods. The procedure involves hydrolysis, defattening with heptane and final clean up with SPE using C₁₈ cartridge. After filtration, the analytes are analysed by LC/MS/MS and quantification is performed using deuterated internal standards. Decision limits (CCα) varied from 0.02 to 0.33?µg?kg^?1 and the detection capabilities (CCβ) were <0.50?µg?kg^?1. The mean within-laboratory reproducibility ranged 5–22% (%RSD_IR). Endogenous steroids (e.g. testosterone, epitestosterone and androstenedione) have been included in the method, to provide an insight into their levels, as the presence of these steroids was detected several times during analysis of imported meat.     

Rapid analysis of phenolic acids in beverages by UPLC–MS/MS

A rapid method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of 17 phenolic acids (gallic acid, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, gentisic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, ferulic acid, 3-coumaric acid, 2-coumaric acid, salicylic acid and trans-cinnamic acid) in different beverages was developed using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The analytes were detected in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode and quantified using internal standards of deuterium-labelled 4-hydroxybenzoic (2,3,5,6-D4) and salicylic (3,4,5,6-D4) acids. Limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.15 to 15 pmol and the response was linear to 1000 pmol injected. Mean method precision of 4.4 RSD% (range, 2.0–9.1%) was obtained, and a mean accuracy (bias) of 1.1% (range, −14.5 to 17.5%). The applicability of this analytical approach was confirmed by the successful analysis of real samples of white wine, grapefruit juice and green tea infusion. Twelve phenolic acids were determined in the analysed beverages, in concentrations ranging from 40.8 to 9046 μg L⁻¹ and the results were compared to data from previous studies.