The visualization of hepatic vasculature by X-ray micro-computed tomography

In this study, X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT) was used to reconstruct the fine structure macro- and microvasculature in three dimensions in contrast-enhanced rat liver samples. The subsequent application in the experimental CC531s colorectal cancer model was concurrent with results obtained from confocal microscopy in earlier studies. The en bloc stains osmium tetroxide in combination with uranyl acetate provided an excellent contrasting result for hepatic tissue after a trial of several contrasting agents. X-ray micro-CT allowed us to image the large blood vessels together with the branching sinusoids of hepatic tissue in three dimensions. Furthermore, interruption of the microvasculature was noted when rats were injected with CC531s colorectal cancer cells indicating the presence of hepatic metastases.     

Characteristics of meat emulsion systems as influenced by different levels of lemon albedo

The effect of the addition of lemon albedo on the functional properties of emulsions was studied by using a model system. Oil/water (O/W) model emulsion systems were prepared by the addition of two types of lemon albedo (raw and dehydrated) at five concentrations (0.0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10%) to mechanically deboned chicken meat. The emulsion capacity, stability, viscosity and flow properties of the prepared model emulsions were analyzed. In addition, the colour parameters of cooked emulsion gel were determined. The addition of lemon albedo increased the emulsion capacity (EC) and the highest EC value was reached with 5% of albedo added. However, further increase in the albedo concentration caused an inverse trend in the EC values. A similar trend was observed in the emulsion stability (ES) values. Dehydrated albedo (DA) addition caused higher EC and ES values than did raw albedo (RA). DA increased the L^∗, a^∗ and b^∗ values of the cooked emulsion gels. Emulsion viscosity (EV) values were positively correlated with an increase in albedo concentration and the highest EV value was obtained from the emulsions with 10% albedo. Albedo addition did not change the flow properties of the emulsions and, in addition, increased the pseudoplasticity. As a consequence, the use of lemon albedo might be a potential dietary fiber source to enhance the functional and technological properties for frankfurter-type meat products.     

Comparison of compact reformer configurations for on-board fuel processing

Two compact reformer configurations in the context of production of hydrogen in a fuel processing system for use in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) based auxiliary power unit in the 2–3 kW range are compared using computer-based modeling techniques. Hydrogen is produced via catalytic steam reforming of n-heptane, the surrogate for petroleum naphtha. Heat required for this endothermic reaction is supplied via catalytic combustion of methane, the model compound for natural gas. The combination of steam reforming and catalytic combustion is modeled for a microchannel reactor configuration in which reactions and heat transfer take place in parallel, micro-sized flow paths with wall-coated catalysts and for a cascade reactor configuration in which reactions occur in a series of adiabatic packed-beds, heat exchange in interconnecting microchannel heat exchangers being used to maintain the desired temperature. Size and efficiency of the fuel processor consisting of the reformer, hydrogen clean-up units and heat exchange peripherals are estimated for either case of using a microchannel and a cascade configuration in the reforming step. The respective sizes of fuel processors with microchannel and cascade configurations are 1.53 × 10⁻³ and 1.71 × 10⁻³ m³. The overall efficiency of the fuel processor, defined as the ratio of the lower heating value of the hydrogen produced to the lower heating value of the fuel consumed, is 68.2% with the microchannel reactor and 73.5% with the cascade reactor mainly due to 30% lower consumption of n-heptane in the latter. The cascade system also offers advanced temperature control over the reactions and ease of catalyst replacement.     

COD Fractionation in Wastewater Characterization—The State of the Art

Wastewater characterization is now regarded as an indispensable step yielding all the necessary information for a reliable modelling and design of biological treatment processes. It should mainly include fractionation of the chemical oxygen demand (COD), and assessment of significant kinetic and stoichiometric coefficients. COD fractionation involves identification of inert and biodegradable COD together with readily biodegradable and slowly biodegradable fractions. Experimental methods developed or selected for the assessment of COD fractions should be compatible with the mathematical models defining biological treatment and should yield consistent and reliable values. A critical review of available experimental methodology is provided and values of significant COD components determined in this work and reported in the literature, for different types of domestic and industrial wastewaters are outlined. © 1997 SCI.     

Synthesis and properties of oxalic acid-doped polyaniline

Conductive polyaniline was synthesized in aqueous 1.0M oxalic acid containing 0.1 M aniline by electrochemical and chemical oxidation and characterized by conductivity, solubility, ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The solubility experiments showed that the solubility of oxalic acid-doped polyaniline in dimethylsulfoxide and dimethylformaide increased to a certain extent. The soluble part of the polyaniline was free from impurities such as quinones. Cyclic voltammetric studies in oxalic acid medium revealed that aniline exhibited a similar behaviour to that in H₂SO₄ and the polymerization rate was much slower than that in H₂SO₄.     

Electro-optical properties of poly[di(2-thiophenyl)carborane] and its opto-electronic application

Electrochemical and optical properties of a hybrid carborane based polymer called poly(di(2-thiophenyl)carborane) (P1) obtained electrochemically were reported as well as its electrochromic device application. Thiophene donor units and m-carborane acceptor unit were combined under the same umbrella via donor–acceptor–donor approach to obtain di(2-thiophenyl)carborane (1). Contrary to the literature, extreme conditions like highly dried solvent or inert atmosphere were not used for polymerization and characterization. Polymer P1 has an ambipolar character since it exhibited a reversible oxidation peak at a half wave potential (E_1/2) of 1.08 V and a quasi reversible reduction peak at E_1/2 = −1.82 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The polymer film has an optical band gap of 1.95 eV with a maximum absorption band centered at 488 nm. Also, it exhibited multicolor electrochromic behavior between its reduced and oxidized states changing from dark orange to light blue. Furthermore, the electrochromic device prepared based on P1 film was stable and robust.     

Interactive approaches for biobjective problems with progressively changing solution sets

In this study, we develop interactive approaches to find a satisfactory alternative of a decision maker (DM) having a quasiconvex preference function where the alternative set changes progressively. In this environment, we keep searching the available set of alternatives and estimating the preference function of the DM. As new alternatives emerge, we make better use of the available preference information and eventually converge to a preferred alternative of the DM. We test our approaches on biobjective, multi‐item, multi‐round auction problems. The results show that our approaches work well in terms of both the preference function value of the obtained solution and the amount of preference information required.     

Anaphylactoid reaction during hemodiafiltration on AN69 membrane in a patient with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: A pediatric case report

Reactions associated with hemodiafiltration can be life threatening if not recognized early in the course of dialysis. AN69 (acrylonitrile and sodium methallyl sulfonate copolymer) membrane-associated reactions during hemodialysis have been documented in adult patients receiving angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, which are thought to be triggered by the negative charge of the AN69 membrane. Here, we present a 5-month-old girl requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for acute kidney injury secondary to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome who experienced acute cyanosis, angioedema, tachycardia, and impaired circulation during CRRT. After switching to a different type of hemofiltration membrane, her clinical findings improved and she was able to tolerate hemodialysis. We concluded that she had experienced an anaphylactoid reaction to the AN69 membrane. To our knowledge, this case is the first pediatric case report of AN69 membrane-associated anaphylactoid reaction.