Impact of precursor preparation on density of gadolinium iron garnets synthesized via reactive sintering

Gadolinium iron garnet was obtained from two different precursors, homogenized in isopropyl alcohol and in an aqueous environment with a fixed pH. In the first case, it was a mixture of goethite (FeO(OH)) and gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃); in the second, a mixture of GdIP (GdFeO₃) and α-Fe₂O₃. Conditions of homogenization in the aqueous environment were selected based on the zeta (ξ) potential measurements as the function of pH. DSC measurements of the output powder mixtures allowed the identification of the effects observed during the temperature rise. In the case of the material obtained from a mixture of goethite (FeO(OH)) and gadolinium oxide, with the increasing temperature, we observe three effects, the first of which corresponds to the phase transformation of goethite into α-Fe₂O₃, the second corresponds to the reaction of gadolinium iron perovskite (GdIP) formation, and the third to the reaction in which a gadolinium iron garnet (GdIG) is formed. However, in the case of heat treatment of the mixture of GdIP and α-Fe₂O₃, we only observe the effect responsible for a solid state reaction leading to the formation of gadolinium iron garnet. Dilatometric measurements allowed to determine the changes in linear dimensions at various stages of reaction sintering. The resulting materials were sintered at temperatures of 1200, 1300, and 1400 °C. In the case of the material obtained from a mixture of perovskite and iron (III) oxide, already at the temperature of 1300 °C, a density has been obtained at around 95% of the theoretical density, and the temperature of 1400 °C allowed achieving a density of 97% of the theoretical density. Whereas, for the material obtained from a mixture of goethite (FeO(OH)) and gadolinium oxide, a density above 95% of theoretical density was achieved only at 1400 °C.     

In vitro culture of Boletus badius as a source of indole compounds and zinc released in artificial digestive juices

Food Science and Biotechnology - The objective of this study was to obtain the in vitro cultures of Boletus badius under controlled conditions and investigate the release of indole compounds and...     

Direct identification of the linear block in Wiener system

In the paper, the linear component of the Wiener system is identified under poor knowledge about the static subsystem nonlinearity. Unlike most of other identification methods, the proposed approach allows to decompose the problem of the Wiener system identification into two simpler subproblems. The considered methodology is based on the observation that the impulse response of the dynamic subsystem is proportional to the multiple input single output mapping, directly related to the considered system. Although derivation of the method involves gradient and kernel least squares techniques, the resulting algorithm possesses explicit form and does not utilize any difficult computational procedures. The consistency of the method is proved, and sufficient conditions for algorithm's bandwidth selection are formulated. Practical aspects of the approach are discussed, and applicability of the method for small and moderate number of observations is examined numerically. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sufficient conditions for instability of delay differential systems

The paper gives sufficient conditions for instability of linear systems of both the neutral and retarded types with commensurate and non-commensurate time delays. The conditions are given in terms of time delays and coefficients of the characteristic quasi-polynomials of these systems. Illustrative examples are presented.     

Correlation between structural and electrical properties in highly porous (Y,Sr)(Ti,Nb)O3−δ SOFC anodes

In order to find a relationship between structural and electrical properties, niobium and yttrium doped SrTiO₃ ceramics were prepared via solid-state reaction. The samples were sintered in hydrogen and air conditions. The samples were also fabricated with a pore-former to obtain highly porous specimens. The electrical properties of Nb-doped SrTiO₃ samples and yttrium and niobium co-doped SrTiO₃ were compared. The comparable electrical properties were observed and discussed according to previous literature reports. It was noticed that the synthesis in a reducing hydrogen atmosphere can increase the solubility of dopants. Moreover, the samples sintered in air presented lower conductivity level and worse structural properties than the samples sintered in hydrogen. The explanation of obtained results was also suggested and discussed.     

Polyhydroxyalkanoate‐based drug delivery systems

Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have been a subject of significant research interest in the past few decades. The recent development of novel functionalized PHAs has opened up new possibilities to combine the good biocompatibility of PHA‐based drug delivery systems to, for example, improve drug loading and release properties, targeting or imaging functionalities. This mini‐review presents some recent scientific developments in the preparation of functionalized PHAs, PHA–drug and PHA–protein conjugates, multifunctional PHA nanoparticles and micelles as well as biosynthetic PHA particles for drug delivery. These developments in combination with the generally excellent biocompatibility of PHA materials are expected to further expand the interest in PHA materials for drug delivery and other therapeutic applications. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Creation of arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis in octogenarians

Elderly patients, defined as octogenarians and nonagenarians, are an increasing population entering renal replacement therapy. Advanced age appears as an exclusive factor negatively influencing dialysis practice. Elderly patients are referred late for the initiation of hemodialysis and more likely are offered catheters rather than arteriovenous fistulae (AVF), which increase mortality and negatively affect quality of life. We present our approach to the creation of vascular access for hemodialysis in this demanding population. In 2006–2012, 39 patients aged 85.9 ± 2.05 with end‐stage renal disease, mainly resulting from ischemic nephropathy, were admitted to the Department of Nephrology to establish permanent vascular access for hemodialysis: preferably AVF. Temporary dialysis catheters were implanted in uremic emergency to bridge the time to fistula creation/maturation. AVF was attempted in 87.2% of the patients. Primary AVF function was achieved in 54% of the patients. Cumulative proportional survival of AVF at months 12 and 24 was 81.5%. Ninety‐four percent of AVF were localized on the forearm: 74% in the distal and 20% in the proximal part. Mean duration of hemodialysis therapy was 20.80 ± 19.45 months. The mean time of AVF use was 15.9 ± 20.2 months. Until present, 38% have been dialyzed using AVF for 31.0 ± 18.8 months. Five patients died with functioning fistula. Eight patients initiated hemodialysis therapy with fistula. During further observation, the use of AVF increased to 62%. Elderly patients should not be denied creation of AVF as a rule. The outcome of AVF benefits more from acknowledging individual vascular conditions rather than age of the patient.