Studies on applications of lypolytic enzymes in detergency II. Evaluation of adaptability of various kinds of lipases in practical laundry conditions

Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society - Kinetic parameter of hydrolysis, degree of hydrolysis, pH and temperature characteristics and positional specificity of hydrolysis of seven kinds...     

Elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) activities in the sera and milk of cows with naturally occurring coliform mastitis

The presence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) activities was determined in milk and serum of cows with naturally occurring coliform mastitis (CFM). TNF-alpha was detected in the sera from 26 of 32 cows with CFM. TNF-alpha levels were higher in the sera than in the milk. IL-6 was high in the sera of surviving CFM animals, but was low in animals that died and in healthy controls. Furthermore, the mean level of IL-6 was 20-fold higher in the milk than in the sera of mastitic cows. The level of IL-6 in the serum was correlated to that in the milk in individual animals. The presence of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the sera appears to relate to severe clinical condition of CFM, in the milk whereas they may play a role in generating inflammation of the mammary gland.     

Design of High-Quality Pt–CeO2 Composite Anodes Supported by Carbon Black for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Application

A Pt on nano-sized CeO₂ particles that in turn are supported on carbon black (CB) was synthesized using the co-impregnation method. This potential anode material for fuel cell applications was synthesized in a stepwise process. The pure CeO₂ was synthesized using an ammonium carbonate precipitation method, and the Pt particles dispersed on the CeO₂ in such a way that a uniform dispersion with the CB was obtained (Pt–CeO₂/CB). The electrochemical activity of the methanol (CH₃OH) oxidation reaction on the Pt–CeO₂/CB was investigated using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry experimentation. The onset potential of CH₃OH oxidation reaction on the Pt–CeO₂/CB anode was shifted to a lower potential as compared with that on commercially available Pt–Ru/carbon (C) alloy anode. In addition, the activation energy of the Pt–CeO₂/CB anode was much lower than that of the Pt–Ru/C alloy anode. Moreover, the current density of the Pt–CeO₂/CB anode was much higher than that of the Pt–Ru/C alloy anode at temperatures between 28° and 60°C. These results suggest that the anode performance of the Pt–CeO₂/CB anode at the operating temperature of typical fuel cells (80°C) is superior to that of the more usual Pt–Ru/C alloy anode. Importantly, the rare metal, Ru, is not required in the present anode material and the amount of Pt required is also significantly reduced. As a consequence, we report a promising candidate Pt–CeO₂/CB composite anode for application in the development of direct methanol fuel cells.     

玻璃纤维/大麻纤维增强聚丙烯混杂复合材料的力学性能和断裂特征(英文)

目前在土木工程,建筑,汽车等领域里使用的复合材料中,玻璃纤维是用量最大的增强材料。由于保护地球环境的呼声日趋高涨,天然纤维被期待着代替源于石油而且再利用困难的玻璃纤维,成为绿色复合材料的必要材料之一。本文通过注射成型工艺制作了玻璃短纤维,大麻短纤维以及混杂型纤维增强复合材料,并在拉伸实验中应用两种不同频率的声发射技术检测了拉伸断裂特性。实验发现,随着大麻纤维的加入和混杂复合材料绿色度的增加,复合材料的拉伸弹性模量随之线性增大,而拉伸强度基本保持不变。当大麻纤维的含量超过20wt%的时候,拉伸强度开始降低。在不同频率的声发射实验中,混杂型复合材料的声发射事件的产生都比单一纤维增强型复合材料要来的晚,也就是说,纤维的混杂有助于推迟微裂纹的产生。     

Current status of vitrification of embryos and oocytes in domestic animals: ethylene glycol as an emerging cryoprotectant of choice

A project aiming at the implementation of a holistic nursing system was conducted on selected wards of a general hospital. The results of a formative evaluation are presented from a work psychological perspective. The reorganisation of nursing led to a higher degree of patient and employee orientation. Most aspects of nurses' work load were reduced but the improvement did not effect nurses' strain to the expected degree. Decision latitudes at the workplace were enlarged, whereas only few changes in decision latitudes were stated with regard to areas outside the ward. The project is discussed as a reflexive strategy of modernization; its success is a result of a process-oriented management which is able to react on unavoidable consequences in the reorganization process.     

Daily life patterns associated with 18-months changes of disability among frail elderly living at home

The purpose of this study was to investigate daily life patterns associated with changes of disability over 18-months among frail elderly living at home. Subjects were 50 frail elderly living at home who were interviewed at baseline, in July-September 1995. By detailed time budgets among them, five life patterns were classified. Lying-rest life pattern, Sitting-rest life pattern, Hobby life pattern, Walking life pattern, and Houseworking life pattern. Activities of daily living (ADL) measured by Extended ADL Index consisted of 8 items of Barthel Index and 4 items of TMIG Index of Competence. Information for follow-up were obtained from home health nurses or mail-questionnaires February-March in 1997. The results were as follows: All samples were able to be followed. Seven people died within the 18 months follow-up. Overall change of score on ADL was not seen between baseline and follow-up study. ADL improvement was seen in 45.0% and 43.7% had declines. Daily life patterns were not correlated with changes in ADL score. However, analysis of decline in ability to perform each activities, relative associations (not statistically significant) were found for changes in function and daily life patterns. Lying-rest life pattern and Sitting-rest life pattern elderly were more likely to decline in ADL than Walking life pattern and HouseworKing life pattern elderly. Hobby life pattern elderly only declined in walking. These findings support previous studies showing that disability of home frail elderly could be improved. Daily life pattern among them would be a helpful predictor of changes in specific physical performance over years.