An inexact hybrid projection-proximal point algorithm for solving generalized mixed variational inequalities

In this paper, we investigate an inexact hybrid projection-proximal method for solving a class of generalized mixed variational inequalities in Hilbert spaces. We construct a general inexact hybrid projection-proximal point algorithm, in which an inexact relaxed proximal point step is followed by a suitable orthogonal projection onto a hyperplane. Under some suitable conditions concerned with the pseudomonotone set-valued mapping T, the nonsmooth convex function f and the step size λ_k, we prove the convergence of the inexact hybrid projection-proximal point algorithm for solving generalized mixed variational inequalities in Hilbert spaces.     

Analytical evaluation of different carbon sources and growth stimulators on the biomass and lipid production of Chlorella vulgaris – Implications for biofuels

The key challenges in lipid production from marine microalgae include the selection of appropriate strain, optimization of the culture conditions and enhancement of biolipid yield. This study is aimed at evaluating the optimal harvest time and effect of chlorella growth factor (CGF) extract, carbon sources and phytohormones on the biomass and lipid production in Chlorella vulgaris. CGF, extracted using hot water from Chlorella has been reported to possess various medicinal properties. However, in the present study, for the first time in C. vulgaris, CGF was found as a best growth stimulator by enhancing the biomass level (1.208 kg m⁻³) significantly on day 5. Gibberellin and citrate augmented the biomass by 0.935 kg m⁻³ and 1.025 kg m⁻³. Combination of CGF and phytohormones were more effective than CGF and carbon sources. Analysis of fatty acid methyl esters indicated that the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids is higher in cytokinin, abscisic acid and CGF, and are also rich in short chain carbon atoms, ideal criteria for biodiesel. Nitrogen starvation favoured synthesis of more unsaturated fatty acids than saturated. This study shows that CGF enhances the biomass and lipid significantly and thus can be used for large scale biomass production.     

Assessing sustainable forest biomass potential and bioenergy implications for the northern Lake States region,USA

Forestlands in the United States have tremendous potential for providing feedstocks necessary to meet emerging renewable energy standards. The Lake States region is one area recognized for its high potential of supplying forest-derived biomass; however, the long-term availability of roundwood harvests and associated residues from this region has not been fully explored. Better distribution and temporal availability estimates are needed to formulate emerging state policies regarding renewable energy development. We used a novel predictive methodology to quantify sustainable biomass availability and likely harvest levels over a 100-year period in the Lake States region. USDA Forest Inventory and Analysis estimates of timberland were combined with published growth and yield models, and historic harvest data using the Forest Age Class Change Simulator (FACCS) to generate availability estimates. Monte-Carlo simulation was used to develop probability distributions of biomass harvests and to incorporate the uncertainty of future harvest levels. Our results indicate that 11.27–15.71 Mt y⁻¹ dry roundwood could be sustainably harvested from the Lake States. Assuming 65% collection rate, 1.87–2.62 Mt y⁻¹ residue could be removed, which if substituted for coal would generate 2.12–2.99 GW h of electricity on equivalent energy basis while reducing GHG (CO₂e) emission by 1.91–2.69 Mt annually. In addition to promoting energy security and reducing GHG emissions, forest residues for energy may create additional revenues and employment opportunities in a region historically dependent on forest-based industries.     

Continuous liquid-phase valorization of bio-ethanol towards bio-butanol over metal modified alumina

Commercial mixed-phase aluminum oxide was used as a heterogeneous catalyst support, providing slightly basic properties which are well-suited for the condensation of bio-ethanol to C₄ hydrocarbons, such as 1-butanol. Different metals (Cu, Ni and Co), at various metal loadings were deposited on the support. Consequently, the catalytic reactions were carried out in a continuous laboratory-scale fixed bed reactor operated at 240 °C and 70 bar. The catalysts were characterized by means of XRD, TEM, FT-IR, XPS and ICP-OES. Different metals were found to give entirely different product distributions. With the best catalysts, the selectivities towards 1-butanol close to 70% were reached, while the ethanol conversion typically varied between 10 and 30% – strongly depending on the metal applied. It was observed that low loading of copper and high loading of nickel were responsible for the formation of 1-butanol, whereas cobalt and high loading of copper resulted in the production of ethyl acetate. The reaction was found to be extremely sensitive to catalyst preparation conditions and procedures such as metal loading, calcination/reduction temperature and, thereby, to the formation of corresponding crystallite structure.     

A hierarchical Path Computation Element (PCE)-based k-random-paths routing algorithm in multi-domain WDM networks

We propose an inter-domain routing algorithm for multi-domain wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) mesh networks. On the basis of the hierarchical Path Computation Element (PCE) architecture, the proposed algorithm introduces a k random path strategy in the parent PCE to adjust the algorithm optimization level. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm outperforms previous schemes in terms of blocking probability and resource utilization, while preventing the increase in PCEP signaling overhead.     

三倍体毛白杨APMP制浆的研究

对速生材种三倍体毛白杨进行了APMP法制浆。通过对制浆过程中影响因素的探讨及单段和两段浆科性能的比较发现，化学预处理中NaOH用量和H2O2用量是影响浆料性能的主要因素，NaOH和H202在段间的不同分配及NaOH和H2O2不同比例也是影响浆科性能的因素。单段预处理与两段预处理APMP相比，在相同打浆度和化学药品用量下，两段预处理APMP具有较高的白度和强度，但光散射系数和不透明度较低。     

Stabilizing effect of the cyclodextrins additive to spray-dried particles of curcumin/polyvinylpyrrolidone on the supersaturated state of curcumin

Although curcumin is considered to have various therapeutic effects, its use as a functional food or supplement is restricted owing to its low water solubility and bioavailability. To increase the solubility of curcumin in water, the use of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymers with a pyrrolidone skeleton was noted to be promising. In particular, the bi-component formulations of curcumin/PVP prepared through spray drying exhibited an amorphous state in powder X-ray diffraction observations and temporally increased the apparent solubility of curcumin to over 5000 times that of untreated curcumin; nevertheless, after 24 h, the solubility decreased owing to the unstable supersaturated state of curcumin. The addition of α-cyclodextrin (α-CyD) in the bi-component curcumin/PVP formulation helped maintain the supersaturated state of curcumin, whereas the addition of β- and γ-CyD led to the collapse of the supersaturated state. The addition of α-CyD can likely help inhibit the nucleation and crystal growth of curcumin, through the interaction among the solubilized units of curcumin/PVP and α-CyD.     

Lactoperoxidase-mediated degradation of single-walled carbon nanotubes in the presence of pulmonary surfactant

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may elicit inflammatory responses following pulmonary exposure. Conversely, enzymatic biodegradation of CNTs by inflammatory cells has also been reported. The aim of this study was to study the degradation of oxidized single-walled CNTs (ox-SWCNTs) by lactoperoxidase (LPO), a secreted peroxidase present in the airways, and whether pulmonary surfactant affects this biodegradation. To this end, ox-SWCNTs were incubated in vitro with recombinant bovine LPO + H₂O₂ + NaSCN in the presence and absence of porcine lung surfactant (Curosurf®) and biodegradation was monitored using UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The interaction of recombinant LPO with bundles of ox-SWCNTs was confirmed by atomic force microscopy. Cell-free biodegradation of ox-SWCNTs was also observed ex vivo in murine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in the presence of H₂O₂ + NaSCN. Our study provides evidence for biodegradation of ox-SWCNTs with a lung surfactant ‘bio-corona’ and expands the repertoire of mammalian peroxidases capable of biodegradation of ox-SWCNTs. These findings are relevant to inhalation exposure to these materials, as LPO serves as an important component of the airway defense system.     

Biological activities of Solanum paludosum Moric. extracts obtained by maceration and supercritical fluid extraction

Solanum paludosum extracts obtained by maceration (SP-EtOH_CRUDE and SP-EtOH_MARC) and supercritical fluid extraction (SP-SFECO₂) were evaluated. Three extracts with distinct chromatographic profiles were obtained: SP-EtOH_CRUDE, with a complex phenolic composition; SP-SFECO₂, containing methoxylated flavonoids; and SP-EtOH_MARC, which bears mainly polar polyphenols. All extracts were strong antioxidants, as measured using the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, xanthine/xanthine oxidase/luminol and iron-induced lipid peroxidation systems. Extracts were also evaluated as modifiers of antibiotic activity in strains of Staphylococcus aureus expressing fluoroquinolone, macrolide and tetracycline efflux proteins. Despite their lack of antibacterial activity, all extracts were able to potentiate antibiotics activities by as much as eight fold. Both the maceration and supercritical fluid extraction processes were adequate to obtain extracts with different biological activities according to their patterns of phenolic compounds. The data suggest that S. paludosum could be a valuable source of antioxidants and putative efflux pumps inhibitors.     

Preparation and studies of transparent conductive monolayers of multiwall carbon nanotubes on quartz and flexible polymer with the use of modified Langmuir technique

An improved Langmuir method is described and applied to produce transparent, conductive and flexible single layer of multiwall carbon nanotubes. This paper presents properties of multiwall carbon nanotubes spread on water subphase and in a form of Langmuir–Schaefer layers on a quartz plate and on flexible polymeric foil. The results show very high homogeneity of the monolayers on a very large area obtained with the use of the proposed modified Langmuir method and indicate their relatively high radiation transmission and electrical conductivity. Laser scanning confocal and scanning electron microscopic images of the layers are presented. The microscopic visualization of the nanolayers is supported by spectroscopic studies (transmittance, photoacoustics) in the range from ultraviolet to mid-infrared. Moreover, electric measurements (current versus voltage characteristics) of the carbon material on the polymeric foil are presented.The obtained results of the investigated multiwall carbon nanotubes are discussed in a view of potential application in optoelectronics.