Application of artificial neural networks to the analysis of two‐dimensional fluorescence spectra in recombinant E coli fermentation processes

A two‐dimensional (2D) spectrofluorometer was used to monitor various fermentation processes with recombinant E coli for the production of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA). The whole fluorescence spectral data obtained during a process were analyzed using artificial neural networks, ie self‐organizing map (SOM) and feedforward backpropagation neural network (BPNN). The SOM‐based classification of the whole spectral data has made it possible to qualitatively associate some process parameters with the normalized weights and variances, and to select some useful combinations of excitation and emission wavelengths. Based on the classified fluorescence spectra a supervised BPNN algorithm was used to predict some of the process parameters. It was also shown that the BPNN models could elucidate some sections of the process's performance, eg forecasting the process's performance. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

A comparison of lightness contrast effects in CRT and surface colours

The simultaneous contrast effect is investigated in this article. A total of 174 and 154 test/induction combinations were studied for CRT and surface colours respectively. Each combination was assessed by nine observers using a matching technique. The test and induction colours used for CRT colours were similar to surface colours using fabric samples. The results indicated a strong lightness contrast effect for both CRT and surface media; that is, the lightness of a test colour surrounded by a lighter induction colour was reduced for both CRT and surface colours. However, the effect in CRT medium was more pronounced than in the surface medium. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 30, 13–20, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20074     

Periodic surface modeling for computer aided nano design

Current solid and surface modeling methods based on Euclidean geometry in traditional computer aided design are not efficient in constructing a large number of atoms and particles. In this paper, we propose a periodic surface model for computer aided nano design such that geometry of atoms and molecules can be constructed parametrically. At the molecular scale, periodicity of the model allows thousands of particles to be built efficiently. At the meso scale, inherent porosity of the model represents natural morphology of polymer and macromolecule. Surface and volume operations are defined to support crystal and molecular model creation with loci and foci periodic surfaces. The ultimate goal is to enable computer assisted material and system design at atomic, molecular, and meso scales.     

En/Decoder for Spectral Phase-Coded OCDMA System Based on Amplitude Sampled FBG

A novel en/decoder for spectral phase-coded optical code-division multiple-access system based on amplitude sampled fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is proposed. Both equivalent chirp and equivalent phase shift are achieved by amplitude sampling. Compared with previous en/decoder based on step chirped FBG, it is easier to fabricate. The performance of the proposed en/decoder is verified by both numerical simulation and experimental demonstration.     

Geotechnical properties of the soft soil in Guangzhou College City

The paper describes some geotechnical properties of the soft soils in Guangzhou College City, China, which are difficult to both sample and test. Laboratory and in situ tests were carried out to assess the physical and mechanical indices of the soils. The data were statistically analyzed and linear regression undertaken such that equations could be developed by which the geotechnical properties of the soft soils can be predicted. The statistical validity of the degree of correlation confirmed that using these equations, the mechanical indices can be estimated from physical indices determined by routine testing.      

Wasserstofffreie amorphe Kohlenstoffschichten ‐ abgeschieden durch plasmaaktivierte Hochratebedampfung

Hydrogen free amorphous carbon coatings ‐ deposited with plasma‐activated high‐rate evaporation By using the technology of the plasmaactivated electron beam evaporation we deposited hydrogen free amorphous carbon coatings with deposition rates of up to 100 μm/h. The results of the mechanical and tribological investigations show the potential of these layers for the use in case of wear resistance. Hardnesses of up to 16GPa were proved. The actual state of the characterisation of the coatings is described and the outlook onto possibilities of further optimisation is given.     

Lactic acid production from dining‐hall food waste by Lactobacillus plantarum using response surface methodology

BACKGROUND: Food waste generally has a high starch content and is rich in nutritional compounds, including lipids and proteins. It therefore represents a potential renewable resource. In this study, dining‐hall food waste was used as a substrate for lactic acid production, and response surface methodology was employed to optimise the fermentation conditions. RESULTS: Lactic acid biosynthesis was significantly affected by the interaction of protease and temperature. Protease, temperature and CaCO₃ had significant linear effects on lactic acid production, while α‐amylase and yeast extract had insignificant effects. The optimal conditions were found to be an α‐amylase activity of 13.86 U g^?1 dried food waste, a protease activity of 2.12 U g^?1 dried food waste, a temperature of 29.31 °C and a CaCO₃ concentration of 62.67 g L^?1, which resulted in a maximum lactic acid concentration of 98.51 g L^?1 (88.75% yield). An increase in inoculum size would be appropriate for accelerating the depletion of initial soluble carbohydrate to enhance the efficiency of α‐amylase in dining‐hall food waste fermentation. CONCLUSION: A suitable regression model for lactic acid production was developed based on the experimental results. Dining‐hall food waste was found to be a good substrate for lactic acid fermentation with high product yield and without nutrient supplementation. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Production of silver‐doped analcime by isomorphous substitution technique

BACKGROUND: Metal‐exchanged zeolites have been reported to have significant limitations on cayalytic activity, such as counterbalancing the negative framework charges and limitation of active space. Alternative methods of incorporating silver ions into the framework of zeolites are therefore necessary. This paper reports on a technique for producing silver doped analcime by isomorphous substitution of silver ion into the framework of analcime. The amount of aluminium in the gel composition was reduced by a factor of 5%, 10% and 20% and an equivalent amount of silver was added to the gel and treated in a conventional manner for zeolite crystallisation. Some of the aluminium in the reaction gel was replaced with the silver. The silver‐doped analcime samples where characterised by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐rays (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES) analysis. RESULTS: The amount of silver ions loaded for each reduction of aluminium as determined by EDX were found to be (w/w) 0.29%, 1.41% and 2.10%, respectively. XRD pattern SEM images of the silver‐doped analcime showed the presence of zeolite P in addition to analcime. CONCLUSION: Silver‐doped analcime was successfully produced with different silver loadings and may exhibit higher anti‐microbial activities than silver‐exchanged counterparts. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

A positive‐working photosensitive polyimide based on thermal cross‐linking and acidolytic cleavage

A novel positive‐working photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) based on a poly(hydroxyimide) (PHI), a crosslinking agent having vinyl ether groups, and a photoacid generator (PAG) was prepared. The PHI as a base resin of the three‐component PSPI was synthesized from 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride and 2,2′‐bis(3‐amino‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane through ring‐opening polymerization and subsequent thermal cyclization. 2,2′‐bis(4‐(2‐(vinyloxy)ethoxy)phenyl)propane (BPA‐DEVE) was used as a vinylether compound and diphenyliodonium 5‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1‐sulfonate was used as a PAG. The phenolic hydroxyl groups of the PHI and the vinyl ether groups of BPA‐DEVE are thermally crosslinked with acetal structures during prebake step, and the crosslinked PHI becomes completely insoluble in an aqueous basic solution. Upon exposure to UV light (365 nm) and subsequent postexposure bake (PEB), a strong acid generated from the PAG cleaves the crosslinked structures, and the exposed area is effectively solubilized in the alkaline developer. The dissolution behavior of the PSPI containing each 11.5 wt % of BPA‐DEVE and of the PAG was studied after UV exposure (365 nm) and PEB. It was found that the difference in dissolution rates between exposed and unexposed areas was enough to get high resolution. A fine positive pattern with a resolution of 5 μm in a 3.7‐μm‐thick film was obtained from the three‐component PSPI. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Visualization and quantification of the mechanical deformation induced by an electrical field in poly(ethylene naphthalene 2,6‐dicarboxylate) (PEN) films

An optical nondestructive strain measurement technique was performed to analyze the mechanical deformation induced by an electrical field within the insulating materials. Poly(ethylene naphthalene 2,6‐dicarboxylate) (PEN) films were then subjected to constant electrical fields right up to their electrical breakdown. The experimental technique made it possible to follow the various stages of the mechanical behavior of PEN in real time. The final breakdown occurred in the observation zone and the related mechanical deformation was captured. A “margarita” structure was observed with a hole at the center. The experimental results indicated that the level of the induced‐mechanical deformations depended on the local environment. We defined two different zones representing the inside and the outside of the damaged area. The induced‐deformations were larger in the damaged zone. It was also observed that deformations increased when the sample had a lower degree of crystallinity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008