A Bayesian approach to the effect of selection for growth rate on sensory meat quality of rabbit

The effect of selection for growth rate on the sensory characteristics of rabbit meat was assessed by comparing a selected and a control population of rabbits. Embryos belonging to generation 7th were frozen, thawed and implanted in does in order to produce the control group. The control group was formed from the offspring of the embryos belonging to the 7th generation. Selected animals belonging to 21st generation (S) were compared with animals of the control group (C), both were contemporary. Forty animals per group were slaughtered at 9-weeks-old. The sensory analysis was carried out on samples of the Longissimus dorsi muscle. The parameters evaluated were: intensity of rabbit flavour (IRF), aniseed odour (AO), aniseed flavour (AF), liver flavour (LF), tenderness (T), juiciness (J), fibrousness (F). A Bayesian analysis was performed. The ratio of the selection and control effects was analysed. There was a difference between the selected and control groups for IRF, AO, AF and LF. Conversely, no differences were found in T, J and F between groups. Selected group had 3% and 23% higher values of IRF and LF, respectively, than the control group. A relevant effect of selection on AO and AF appeared (probability of relevance P(r)=1), with lower values for selected animals. There was a difference between male and female groups for IRF, but this was not relevant. No differences between sexes were found for the rest of the characteristics evaluated. Selection for growth rate did not affect the main sensory characteristics of meat, like T and J but, it had a negative effect on some flavour characteristics.     

Yearly average performance of the principal solar collector types

The results of hour-by-hour simulations for 26 meteorological stations are used to derive universal correlations for the yearly total energy that can be delivered by the principal solar collector types: flat plate, evacuated tubes, CPC, collectors that track about one axis, collectors that track about two axes, and central receiver.The correlations are polynomials of first and second order in yearly average insolation, latitute, and threshold (= ratio of heat loss and optical efficiency). With these correlations the yearly collectible energy can be found by reading a single graph and multiplying the coordinates by the collector parameters. This simple method reproduces the results of hour-by-hour computer calculations with an accuracy (rms error) of 2 per cent for flat plates and 2–4 per cent for concentrators.This method can be applied to any system where the collectors operate year-round in such a way that no collected energy is discarded. This includes photovoltaic systems; solar-augmented industrial process heat systems; and solar thermal power systems. In addition, the method is recommended for rating collectors of different types or different manufacturers on the basis of yearly average performance. The method is also useful for evaluating the effects of collector degradation, the benefits of collector cleaning, and the gains from collector improvements (due to enhanced optical efficiency or decreased heat loss per absorber surface). For most of these applications, the method is accurate enough to replace a system simulation.     

Optical pH measurements with water dispersion of polyaniline nanoparticles and their redox sensitivity

A new method for optical pH and redox measurements with a commercially available water dispersion of polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles (mean particle size, 46 nm) is presented. The pH measurements are based on the acid-base equilibrium of PANI and were carried out either by combining both the automated sequential injection analysis (SIA) and UV-visible spectrophotometric techniques or with a fiber-optic light guide. In the former case, the detection was done in continuous mode at lambda = 800 nm by using the SIA technique for transporting the sample to a flow-through cell, which was placed in the light path of the photometer. With the fiber-optic light guide, the detection was done in batch mode at lambda = 400 and 580 nm. In both methods, fresh pH reagent (PANI) solution was used in each measurement, thus overcoming the problem with hysteresis (memory effect), which is usually observed with PANI films. The PANI nanoparticles were characterized with UV-visible spectroscopy in pH buffer solutions between pH 2-12 and a protonation constant of logK(0.5H,L)(H(0.5)L) = 4.4 was calculated from these data. Fast pH measurements can be done between pH 6 and 10.5 depending on the measuring technique. It is possible to determine pH with an accuracy of 0.1 pH unit between pH 8 and 10.5 (RSD, 0.5-2%). Redox transitions typical for PANI films were also observed for water solutions of PANI nanoparticles in the presence of the hexacyanoferrate(II/III) and the iron(II/III) oxalate redox couples. The absorbance at lambda = 875 nm is linearly dependent on the logarithm of the concentration ratio (0.1-10) of the iron oxalate redox couple.     

Design,synthesis, characterization,and aging properties of a new end-capped three-dimensional high-refractive index hybrid organic–inorganic polysiloxane

The actual need for hybrid organic–inorganic polysiloxanes is very high due to their importance in optoelectronic applications, especially for the preparation of anti- and low-reflection layers, photopatterned overcoats, flexible hard coats, and glass and metal coatings. However, such three-dimensional hybrid polysiloxanes have very often a limited shelf life and aged very rapidly. Consequently, this type of polymer may require to be stored at cold temperatures and needs to be dilute in organic solvent to a very low solid content, which are unprofitable conditions for commercialization purposes. Therefore, there is an urgent demand to prepare three-dimensional polysiloxanes, which are more resistant toward aging processes. Herein, a new hybrid three-dimensional polysiloxane has been designed and synthesized from three different silane precursors using the sol–gel technology, and characterized using gel permeation chromatography, ¹H, ¹³C, and ²⁹Si nuclear magnetic resonance and MS spectroscopies. One-fourth of the silanol groups present in the polysiloxane have been protected with chlorotrimethylsilane. The refractive index of the silicon wafer coated with the new polysiloxane was found to be 1.53, which is higher compare to traditional values. Importantly, the new protected three-dimensional polysiloxane did not age after being stored at T = 40°C for 3 weeks.     

Design,preparation, and characterization of new high-refractive index hybrid organic–inorganic polysiloxanes: Innovative coatings for optoelectronic applications

The current demand for high-refractive index materials is very high due to their importance in optoelectronic applications. Such materials already exist in the market, but they present many disadvantages. They might contain toxic metals; their preparation can be challenging or produce high quantity of waste. Consequently, there is an urgent need to produce new friendly coatings with high-refractive index. Hybrid organic–inorganic polysiloxanes can offer a solution to this problem. They can be easily prepared from nontoxic alkoxy silanes using the sol–gel chemistry process. Herein, a series of new hybrid polysiloxanes are synthesized from the monomer 1–(2–(triethoxysilyl)ethyl)triphenylsilane and other silanes. The preparation of the macromolecules is optimized at both stages of the sol–gel process. The polymers are characterized by gel permeation chromatography and NMR spectroscopy. Spin coating of the materials on silicon wafers, followed by film thickness and refractive index measurements, indicates that the new polysiloxanes can have refractive indexes as high as 1.6 with thicknesses varying from 2200 to 3700 nm. Consequently, it is expected that the new materials described in this report are valuable for optoelectronic applications such as high-dielectric constant (high-k) gate oxides, interlayer high-k dielectrics, or high-refractive index abrasion resistant coatings.     

Monovalent cation transporters at the plasma membrane in yeasts

Maintenance of proper intracellular concentrations of monovalent cations, mainly sodium and potassium, is a requirement for survival of any cell. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, monovalent cation homeostasis is determined by the active extrusion of protons through the Pma1 H⁺-ATPase (reviewed in another chapter of this issue), the influx and efflux of these cations through the plasma membrane transporters (reviewed in this chapter), and the sequestration of toxic cations into the vacuoles. Here, we will describe the structure, function, and regulation of the plasma membrane transporters Trk1, Trk2, Tok1, Nha1, and Ena1, which play a key role in maintaining physiological intracellular concentrations of Na⁺, K⁺, and H⁺, both under normal growth conditions and in response to stress.     

Combined innovation and export strategies of KIBS in different regional settings

This paper examines how KIBS establishments combine innovation and exports, and which factors are associated with these combinations. In particular, we hypothesize that KIBS establishments which both export and innovate will be over-represented in metropolitan regions, and under-represented in peripheral regions. Our analysis draws upon a sample of 429 innovative KIBS establishments in the province of Quebec (Canada). We show that strategies differ across space (but not as expected – metropolitan and peripheral strategies are similar), that T-KIBS’ strategies are associated with non-market information sources, and that P-KIBS' strategies are associated with information purchasing. P-KIBS’ and T-KIBS’ strategies vary with the performance of in-house R&D. Taken together, these results suggest that whereas KIBS’ choice of export and innovation strategies do not reflect their ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ nature, the factors associated with this choice do. The similarity between metropolitan and peripheral regions reflects the fact that Quebec’s resource-based peripheral economy is international and innovative.     

Computerized morphometry analysis of epithelial fimbriae nuclear symmetry in BRCA carriers may identify patients at risk for developing ovarian cancer

Serous ovarian tumors may originate in epithelial cells of the fallopian tubes. Computerized morphometry was able to find significant alterations in the fallopian tube epithelium of healthy BRCA carriers. The purpose of this study was to identify a subgroup of BRCA carriers that may be at risk of developing serous ovarian cancer by evaluation of the epithelial nuclear symmetry in the fallopian tubes. Four groups of patients were analyzed; healthy patients, ovarian cancer patients, BRCA carriers, and BRCA noncarriers. All fallopian tubes appeared normal by H&E examination. The ImageProPlus software was used to assess the nuclear symmetry of 65 fimbriae epithelium cells and an artificial neural network algorithm aided in detecting a subpopulation among fimbriae of healthy BRCA carriers at risk for ovarian cancer. Significant differences were found between healthy patients and ovarian cancer patients, and between BRCA carriers and noncarriers. The algorithm was able to accurately predict BRCA carriers with associated ovarian cancer based on fallopian tube nuclear symmetry characteristics. These results reinforce the hypothesis that fimbriae epithelial cells of BRCA carriers may undergo early-stage changes that could predict the risk of progression toward malignancy.     

Trace element distributions between matte and slag in direct nickel matte smelting

ABSTRACT

Behaviour of trace elements in the nickel matte smelting was studied at 1673 K (1400°C) by equilibration-quenching techniques followed by direct phase analyses using electron probe X-ray microanalysis and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The matte-slag samples at silica saturation were equilibrated with SO₂-CO-CO₂-Ar mixtures of fixed p_SO2, p_S2 and p_O2 in order to obtain a pre-determined oxidation degree for the sulphide matte, and thus to generate a targeted iron concentration of the nickel-copper–iron sulphide matte (Ni:Cu = 5, w/w), depending on the slag chemistry. The slag composition was varied from 0 to 2 wt-% K₂O and 0–10 wt-% MgO in silica saturation. The studied trace elements were Co, Ge, Pb, Se and Sn, but also the matte-to-slag distributions of the slag forming fluxing components Mg (MgO) and Si (SiO₂) were determined experimentally. Selenium was the only trace element studied which strongly enriched in the low-iron nickel mattes, and the deportment became larger when the sulphide matte depleted with iron. All the other trace elements behaved in the opposite way.     

A rheo-optical apparatus for real time kinetic studies on shear-induced alignment of self-assembled soft matter with small sample volumes

In soft materials, self-assembled nanoscale structures can allow new functionalities but a general problem is to align such local structures aiming at monodomain overall order. In order to achieve shear alignment in a controlled manner, a novel type of rheo-optical apparatus has here been developed that allows small sample volumes and in situ monitoring of the alignment process during the shear. Both the amplitude and orientation angles of low level linear birefringence and dichroism are measured while the sample is subjected to large amplitude oscillatory shear flow. The apparatus is based on a commercial rheometer where we have constructed a flow cell that consists of two quartz teeth. The lower tooth can be set in oscillatory motion whereas the upper one is connected to the force transducers of the rheometer. A custom made cylindrical oven allows the operation of the flow cell at elevated temperatures up to 200 degrees C. Only a small sample volume is needed (from 9 to 25 mm(3)), which makes the apparatus suitable especially for studying new materials which are usually obtainable only in small quantities. Using this apparatus the flow alignment kinetics of a lamellar polystyrene-b-polyisoprene diblock copolymer is studied during shear under two different conditions which lead to parallel and perpendicular alignment of the lamellae. The open device geometry allows even combined optical/x-ray in situ characterization of the alignment process by combining small-angle x-ray scattering using concepts shown by Polushkin et al. [Macromolecules 36, 1421 (2003)].