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Optimisation
Terms modified by Optimisation Selected AbstractsSEMANTICS-ASSISTED PROBLEM SOLVING ON THE SEMANTIC GRIDCOMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE, Issue 2 2005Liming Chen In this paper we propose a distributed knowledge management framework for semantics and knowledge creation, population, and reuse on the grid. Its objective is to evolve the Grid toward the Semantic Grid with the ultimate purpose of facilitating problem solving in e-Science. The framework uses ontology as the conceptual backbone and adopts the service-oriented computing paradigm for information- and knowledge-level computation. We further present a semantics-based approach to problem solving, which exploits the rich semantic information of grid resource descriptions for resource discovery, instantiation, and composition. The framework and approach has been applied to a UK e-Science project,Grid Enabled Engineering Design Search and Optimisation in Engineering (GEODISE). An ontology-enabled problem solving environment (PSE) has been developed in GEODISE to leverage the semantic content of GEODISE resources and the Semantic Grid infrastructure for engineering design. Implementation and initial experimental results are reported. [source] Catalytic Hydrogenation of Cyanohydrin Esters as a Novel Approach to N -Acylated ,-Amino Alcohols , Reaction Optimisation by a Design of Experiment ApproachEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2006Lars Veum Abstract The catalytic hydrogenation of acylated cyanohydrins and subsequent intramolecular migration of the acyl group to yield pharmaceutically interesting N -acyl ,-amino alcohols is shown to be a successful one-pot preparation method. The combination of a multistep DoE approach and high-throughput methodology proved to be an effective strategy for the optimisation of the reaction. With the favoured catalyst/solvent combination of nickel on alumina in dioxane, both hydrogenation and acyl group migration proceeded smoothly, giving the N -acyl ,-amino alcohols in yields (determined by GC) of up to 90,% for aliphatic substrates and up to 50,% for benzylic ones, the latter being more prone to side reactions. No racemisation was found to occur at the chiral centre of an aliphatic molecule when an enantiopure cyanohydrin ester was used, though a minor decrease in ee was observed with a benzylic substrate. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006) [source] Challenges in Measuring of Physical Properties of Liquid Phases for Material and Process Optimisation,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 4 2007S. Akbari The exact knowledge of thermo-physical properties of molten phases is crucial to modern metallurgy. It leads to optimized process windows including better metal/slag separation, suitable slag selection or reduced slag/refractory wetting. The most important properties are melting and boiling point, electrical- and thermal conductivity, melting and transition enthalpies, wetting angle, density, viscosity and surface tension. The aim of this paper is to present opportunities, methods and uncertainties of characterization of this kind of materials. This will be examplified by measuring three physical properties (density, viscosity and surface tension). [source] Optimisation of AP,PCR fingerprinting discriminatory power for clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosaFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2003Waldemar Da, browski Abstract Recently methods based on analysis of arbitrarily amplified target sites of microorganism genomes have been extensively applied in microbiological studies. The range of their applications is limited by problems with discrimination and reproducibility resulting from lack of standardised and reliable methods of optimisation. By orthogonal-array optimisation most advantageous and optimal parameters for highly discriminatory primers (CagA2+CMVin2) were selected and efficient AP,PCR (arbitrarily primed-polymerase chain reaction) fingerprinting conditions for Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were set up. Stable and multiplex amplicon profiles obtained in this study revealed high level of intraspecies DNA polymorphism among 20 analysed clinical strains of P. aeruginosa proving optimised AP,PCR fingerprinting to be useful in epidemiological typing of the species. [source] Optimisation and Evaluation of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3,,,, Cathode for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel CellsFUEL CELLS, Issue 5 2009Youkun Tao Abstract In this work, La0.6Sr0.4CoO3,,,,/Ce1,,xGdxO2,,,, (LSC/GDC) composite cathodes are investigated for SOFC application at intermediate temperatures, especially below 700,°C. The symmetrical cells are prepared by spraying LSC/GDC composite cathodes on a GDC tape, and the lowest polarisation resistance (Rp) of 0.11,,,cm2 at 700,°C is obtained for the cathode containing 30,wt.-% GDC. For the application on YSZ electrolyte, symmetrical LSC cathodes are fabricated on a YSZ tape coated on a GDC interlayer. The impact of the sintering temperature on the microstructure and electrochemical properties is investigated. The optimum temperature is determined to be 950,°C; the corresponding Rp of 0.24,,,cm2 at 600,°C and 0.06,,,cm2 at 700,°C are achieved, respectively. An YSZ-based anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell is fabricated by employing LSC/GDC composite cathode sintered at 950,°C. The cell with an active electrode area of 4,×,4,cm2 exhibits the maximum power density of 0.42,W,cm,2 at 650,°C and 0.54,W,cm,2 at 700,°C. More than 300,h operating at 650,°C is carried out for an estimate of performance and degradation of a single cell. Despite a decline at the beginning, the stable performance during the later term suggests a potential application. [source] Thermo-Economic Modelling and Optimisation of Fuel Cell Systems,FUEL CELLS, Issue 1 2005F. Marechal Abstract This paper describes and illustrates the application of a methodology for thermo-economic design and optimisation of fuel cell systems. This methodology combines the use of process simulation and process integration techniques to compute thermo-economic performances of fuel cell systems that will be used in a multi-objective optimisation framework. The method allows the generation of integrated fuel cell system configurations and their corresponding optimal operating conditions. It should be used as a preliminary design methodology, allowing the identification of promising system configurations, which would be further analysed. The methodology and the thermo-economic models are described and demonstrated for the design of PEMFC hybrid systems, combining fuel cell and gas turbine technologies. [source] Creep-recovery parameters of gluten-free batter and crumb properties of bread prepared from pregelatinised cassava starch, sorghum and selected proteinsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2009Calvin Onyango Summary The effect of egg white, skim milk powder, soy protein isolate and soy protein concentrate on creep-recovery parameters of gluten-free batter made from sorghum and pregelatinised cassava starch was studied. Batter treated with egg white had the highest deformation and compliance parameters and lowest zero shear viscosities and differed significantly (P < 0.05) from the other treatments. However, this batter recovered its elasticity sufficiently and its elastic portion of maximum creep compliance did not differ significantly (P < 0.05) from the other treatments. Unlike the other treatments, egg white did not decrease bread volume and exhibited the lowest crumb firmness and staling rate. Optimisation of the amount of egg white with diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono and diglycerides (DATEM) showed that creep-recovery parameters and crumb hardness were affected by the linear, quadratic and interaction effects of the input variables. Treatment with 6% and 0.1% w/w fwb egg white and DATEM, respectively, gave gluten-free batter with the least elastic portion of maximum creep compliance (Je/Jmax = 11.65%) which corresponded to the lowest crumb firmness (790.8 g). [source] Optimisation of the medium composition for production of protease and soybean peptides by Bacillus subtilis SHZ using response surface methodologyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 7 2008Bo Yu Summary Responses surface methodology was employed to enhance the production of protease and soybean peptides by Bacillus subtilis SHZ. For screening of medium composition significantly influencing protease and soybean peptides yield, the two-level Plackett,Burman design was used. Among thirteen variables tested; KH2PO4, glucose and defatted soybean flour (DSF) were selected based on their high significant effect on both protease activity and soybean peptides yield. Then, a three-level Box,Behnken design was employed to optimise the medium composition for the production of the protease and soybean peptides in submerged fermentation. Mathematical models were then developed to show the effect of each medium composition and their interactions on the production of protease and soybean peptides. The model estimated that, the maximal protease activity (320 ± 1 U mL,1) could be obtained when the concentrations of glucose, KH2PO4, DSF were set at 8,9 g L,1, 2,3 g L,1, 55,65 g L,1, respectively; while a maximal yield of soybean peptides (8.5 ± 0.1 g L,1) could be achieved when the concentrations of glucose, KH2PO4, DSF were set at 7,9 g L,1, 3,4 g L,1 and 55,58 g L,1, respectively. These predicted values were also verified by validation experiments. [source] Optimisation of hard pretzel productionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Ni Yao Summary Absence of a thorough understanding of the baking conditions on hard pretzel quality has resulted in considerable loss of production and on productivity. Baking time, oven zone 1 temperature, drying time and kiln drying temperature were identified as important factors affecting pretzel quality in modern pretzel production, from a total of eleven factors following a screening experiment design. A central composite circumscribe design was then employed to optimise these four variables. The test for lack of fit was not significant (P < 0.05) for the responses, except for colour a* values. The analysis of variance of the responses indicated that models explained 99%, 91% and 87% variability for moisture content, ,Eab and pasting time, respectively. The four variables were optimised when pretzel moisture content, ,Eab and pasting time were considered simultaneously using desirability function approach. Validation experiment results revealed that the two most important qualities of pretzel, moisture content and ,Eab could be reliably predicted. [source] Asymmetric Reduction of Activated Alkenes by Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Reductase: Specificity and Control of Stereochemical Outcome by Reaction OptimisationADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 17 2009Anna Fryszkowska Abstract We show that pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase (PETNR), a member of the ,ene' reductase old yellow enzyme family, catalyses the asymmetric reduction of a variety of industrially relevant activated ,,,-unsaturated alkenes including enones, enals, maleimides and nitroalkenes. We have rationalised the broad substrate specificity and stereochemical outcome of these reductions by reference to molecular models of enzyme-substrate complexes based on the crystal complex of the PETNR with 2-cyclohexenone 4a. The optical purity of products is variable (49,99% ee), depending on the substrate type and nature of substituents. Generally, high enantioselectivity was observed for reaction products with stereogenic centres at C, (>99% ee). However, for the substrates existing in two isomeric forms (e.g., citral 11a or nitroalkenes 18,19a), an enantiodivergent course of the reduction of E/Z -forms may lead to lower enantiopurities of the products. We also demonstrate that the poor optical purity obtained for products with stereogenic centres at C, is due to non-enzymatic racemisation. In reactions with ketoisophorone 3a we show that product racemisation is prevented through reaction optimisation, specifically by shortening reaction time and through control of solution pH. We suggest this as a general strategy for improved recovery of optically pure products with other biocatalytic conversions where there is potential for product racemisation. [source] Assessment of the water,salinity crop production function of wheat using experimental data of the Golestan province, Iran,IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE, Issue 4 2009A. R. Kiani stress hydrique; stress de salinité; fonctions de production; blé Abstract Optimisation of agricultural water management in arid and semi-arid regions requires the availability of water,salinity crop production functions. A two-year experiment was conducted in the northern Golestan province of Iran to assess the water,salinity production function of wheat. The treatments in the experiment consisted of four levels of irrigation water, i.e. 50 (W1), 75 (W2), 100 (W3) and 125 (W4) % of crop water requirement, and four levels of water salinity, respectively 1.5 (S1), 8.5 (S2), 11.5 (S3) and 14.2 (S4) dS,m,1. The plots were arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replications and water quantity as main plot treatment and water quality as subplot treatment. The data were analysed using linear, quadratic, Cobb,Douglas and transcendental functions, complemented with an economic analysis. The results indicate that for the given climate,soil conditions, transcendental functions best predict wheat yield under both water and salinity stress conditions. Yield reduction caused by a unit increase of matric potential is found to be larger than that caused by a unit increase of osmotic potential. The marginal rate of technical substitution indicates that each one of the two factors studied, namely soil salinity and water supply, can be substituted with the other in a wide range in order to achieve equal amount of yield. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. L'optimisation de la gestion de l'eau agricole dans les zones arides et semi-arides nécessite de savoir la relation entre l'apport d'eau selon sa salinité et la production végétale. Une expérience de deux ans a été menée dans le nord de la province du Golestan en Iran pour évaluer la fonction de production de l'eau saline sur le blé. Les traitements expérimentaux consistaient en quatre niveaux d'apports d'eau soit 50% (W1), 75% (W2), 100% (W3) et 125% (W4) des besoins en eau des cultures, et quatre niveaux de salinité de l'eau, respectivement 1.5 (S1), 8.5 (S2), 11.5 (S3) et 14.2 (S4) dS,m,1. Les parcelles ont été disposées dans un bloc de Fisher randomisé avec trois répétitions avec la quantité de l'eau comme variable principale et la qualité de l'eau comme variable secondaire. Les données ont été analysées en utilisant les fonctions linéaires, quadratiques, Cobb,Douglas et transcendantes, complétées par une analyse économique. Les résultats indiquent que, pour un climat et un état du sol donnés, les fonctions transcendantes donnent les meilleures prédictions du rendement de blé en condition de salinité et de stress hydrique. La baisse de rendement causée par une augmentation d'une unité de potentiel hydrique est plus importante que celle causée par l'augmentation d'une unité de potentiel osmotique. Le taux marginal de substitution technique indique que chacun des deux facteurs étudiés, à savoir la salinité des sols et l'apport d'eau, peuvent être largement substitués l'un à l'autre pour viser rendement identique. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Non-invasive detection of the metabolic burden on recombinant microorganisms during fermentation processes,JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 8 2001Th Bachinger Abstract Heterologous protein production is an important source of therapeutic products. Optimisation of such bioprocesses by adjustment of the expression rate of the heterologous protein to the biosynthetic capacity of the cell metabolism would benefit from an online method for monitoring the metabolic burden. In this study we evaluated the use of a chemical multi-sensor array for this purpose. Fermentations with a recombinant Escherichia coli strain expressing human superoxide dismutase (rhSOD) were monitored by the sensor array. The results of isopropyl-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-induced expression were compared with fermentations with a plasmid-free strain. The overproduction of rhSOD, imposing a high metabolic burden on the plasmid-carrying cells, was distinctly and reproducibly observed by the multi-sensor array. The potential of this non-invasive method of non-specific metabolic burden monitoring is demonstrated by the results of the study. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Closed system generation of dendritic cells from a single blood volume for clinical application in immunotherapy,JOURNAL OF CLINICAL APHERESIS, Issue 4 2005M. Elias Dendritic cells (DC) used for clinical trials should be processed on a large scale conforming to current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) guidelines. The aim of this study was to develop a protocol for clinical grade generation of immature DC in a closed-system. Aphereses were performed with the Cobe SpectraÔ continuous flow cell separator and material was derived from one volume of blood processed. Optimisation of a 3-phase collection autoPBSC technique significantly improved the quality of the initial mononuclear cell (MNC) product. Monocytes were then enriched from MNC by immunomagnetic depletion of CD19+ B cells and CD2+ T cells and partial depletion of NK cells using the Isolex 300I Magnetic cell selector. The quality of the initial mononuclear cell product was found to determine the outcome of monocyte enrichment. Enriched monocytes were cultured in Opticyte gas-permeable containers using CellGro serum-free medium supplemented with GM-CSF and IL-4 to generate immature DC. A seeding concentration of 1 × 106 was found optimal in terms of DC phenotype expression, monocyte percentage in culture, and cell viability. The differentiation pattern favours day 7 for harvest of immature DC. DC recovery, viability, as well as phenotype expression after cryopreservation of immature DC was considered in this study. DC were induced to maturation and evaluated in FACS analysis for phenotype expression and proliferation assays. Mature DC were able to generate an allogeneic T-cell response as well as an anti-CMV response as detected by proliferation assays. These data indicate that the described large-scale GMP-compatible system results in the generation of stable DC derived from one volume of blood processed, which are qualitatively and quantitatively sufficient for clinical application in immunotherapeutic protocols. J. Clin. Apheresis © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Towards stereoselective radiosynthesis of ,-[11C]methyl-substituted aromatic ,-amino acids , a challenge of creation of quaternary asymmetric centre in a very short time,JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 5-6 2007Alexander Popkov Abstract In positron emission tomography (PET) , -methyl amino acids have two potential applications: As analogues of neutransmitter precursors for the study of neurodegenerative diseases; as non-metabolised analogues of proteinogenic amino acids for the study of amino acid uptake into normal and cancer cells. Clinical applications of such amino acids are strongly limited due to their poor availability. We carried out [11C]methylation of metalocomplex synthons derived from protected DOPA or tyrosine. For [11C]methylation, sodium hydroxide (5 mg of fine dry powder) was sealed in a vial, which was flushed with dry nitrogen before addition of a solution of the complex (10 mg) and 11CH3I in 1,3-dimethylimidazolidin-2-one (300 µl). After 10 min at 25°C, a 9% radiochemical yield (decay-corrected) of a mixture of the diastereomeric , -[11C]methylDOPA complexes or a 7% radiochemical yield of a mixture of the diastereomeric , -[11C]methyltyrosine complexes was achieved. Individual diastereomers were successfully separated by preparative HPLC, diluted with excess of water and extracted on C18 cartridges. Optimisation of the procedure including hydrolysis of the complexes (hydrolytic deprotection of enantiomerically pure amino acids) and subsequent purification of the enantiomers of , -[11C]methylDOPA and , -[11C]methyltyrosine is underway. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effect of lateral target motion on image registration accuracy in CT-guided helical tomotherapy: A phantom studyJOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND RADIATION ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2010J Medwig Summary Optimisation of imaging modes for kilovoltage CT (kVCT) used for treatment planning and megavoltage CT (MVCT) image guidance used in ungated helical tomotherapy was investigated for laterally moving targets. Computed tomography images of the QUASARÔ Respiratory Motion Phantom were acquired without target motion and for lateral motion of the target, with 2-cm peak-to-peak amplitude and a period of 4 s. Reference kVCT images were obtained using a 16-slice CT scanner in standard fast helical CT mode, untagged average CT mode and various post-processed 4D-CT modes (0% phase, average and maximum intensity projection). Three sets of MVCT images with different inter-slice spacings of were obtained on a Hi-Art tomotherapy system with the phantom displaced by a known offset position. Eight radiation therapists performed co-registration of MVCT obtained with 2-, 4- and 6-mm slice spacing and kVCT studies independently for all 15 CT imaging combinations. In the investigated case, the untagged average kVCT and 4-mm slice spacing for the MVCT yielded more accurate registration in the transverse plane. The average residual uncertainty of this combination of imaging procedures was 0.61 ± 0.16 mm in the longitudinal direction, 0.45 ± 0.14 mm in the anterior,posterior direction and insignificant in the lateral direction. Manual registration of MVCT,kVCT study pairs is necessary to account for a target in significant lateral motion with respect to bony structures. [source] Optimisation of the headspace-solid phase microextraction for organomercury and organotin compound determination in sediment and biotaJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 4 2008Alejandra Delgado Abstract Headspace solid-phase microextraction was optimised for the simultaneous preconcentration of methylmercury (MeHg+), monobutyltin, dibutyltin, tributyltin, monophenyltin (MPhT), diphenyltin (DPhT), and triphenyltin (TPhT) from sediments and biota. Extraction time (3,24 min), extraction temperature (20,90°C), desorption time (1,10.4 min), desorption temperature (152,260°C), and sample volume (5,22 mL) were simultaneously optimised, while variables such as fibre type (30 ,m polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS), pH (acetic acid/sodium acetate, HOAc/NaOAc, 2 mol/L, pH , 4.8), the concentration of the derivatisation agent (sodium tetraethylborate, NaBEt4, 0.1% m/v), and the ionic strength (fixed by the buffer solution) were kept constant. The variables were optimised according to the experiments proposed by the MultiSimplex program and the responses were considered in order to establish the optimum conditions. The repeatability (relative standard deviation, RSD, 5,20.6%) and limits of detection (LODs, 0.05,0.97 ng/g) of the overall method were also estimated. The lowest precisions were obtained for DPhT and TPhT. The optimised preconcentration method was applied to the determination of MeHg+, butyl- and phenyltins in certified reference materials (IAEA-405 MeHg+ in estuarine sediment, BCR-646 butyl- and phenyltins in marine sediment, BCR-463 MeHg+ in tuna fish, DOLT-2 MeHg+ in dogfish liver, and BCR-477 butyltins in mussel tissue) by GC with microwave-induced plasma/atomic-emission detection. [source] Behaviour of carbamate pesticides in gas chromatography and their determination with solid-phase extraction and solid-phase microextraction as preconcentration stepsJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 16 2005Rita Carabias-Martínez Abstract This work reports a study of the chromatographic behaviour of seven carbamate pesticides (aldicarb, carbetamide, propoxur, carbofuran, carbaryl, methiocarb, and pirimicarb) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Variables such as injector temperature, solvent, injection mode, and the degree of ageing of the chromatographic column were studied. One of the aims of this work was to achieve a controlled decomposition of carbamates by a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) preconcentration step with a polyacrylate fibre in order to obtain reproducible chromatographic signals of the degradation products. Optimisation of the SPME process was accomplished by means of experimental design. Several methods using ultrapure water were developed with different preconcentration configurations: SPME-GC-MS, SPE followed by SPME-GC-MS, and SPE plus GC-MS. For all the pesticides studied, method detection limit (MDL) values below 0.1 ,g L,1 were reached in at least one of the proposed configurations. [source] An initial assessment of the use of gradient elution in microemulsion and micellar liquid chromatographyJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 17-18 2004Simon M. Bryant Abstract Novel microemulsion and micellar HPLC separations have been achieved using gradient elution and columns packed with reverse phase material. Initial attempts at gradient microemulsion liquid chromatography proved impossible on use of a microemulsion successfully used in capillary electrophoresis. Optimisation of the microemulsion composition allowed the generation of stable microemulsions to achieve separations in HPLC. The novel use of organic-solvent micellar chromatography in gradient elution mode was shown to give efficient separations. A range of efficient separations of pharmaceuticals and related impurities were obtained. Acidic, basic, and neutral solutes were resolved covering a wide range of water solubilities and polarities. Elution times were in the order of 4,15 minutes. Separations were briefly compared to those accomplished with a micellar HPLC system. It is proposed that gradient elution in both microemulsion and micellar HPLC can be regarded as a highly successful means of achieving resolution of complex mixtures and should be considered for routine analysis and further investigation. [source] Optimisation of gradient HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in beer using a CoulArray detectorJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 15-16 2004Lucie, ehová Abstract A method was developed for simultaneous analysis of natural antioxidants in beer using multichannel electrochemical detection with a CoulArray detector, which enables selective and sensitive antioxidant detection in gradient HPLC and facilitates the identification of analytes based on the ratios of signals recorded at different potentials applied to the detection cells arranged in series. The separation conditions were optimised for 27 phenolic compounds including derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids, flavones, and a few related glycosides identified in beer samples. Separation selectivities of 11 columns with different stationary phase chemistries were compared, and the pH and gradient programs were optimised for the individual columns to provide best resolution and high number of resolved peaks, using the window-diagram approach. The effects of pH on the sensitivity of electrochemical coulometric detection were considered in the optimisation approach. The optimised conditions were applied to the analysis of real beer samples. [source] GC-FID/MS method for the impurity profiling of synthetic d-allethrinJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 1-2 2004Matteo Bragieri Abstract A GC/FID/MS method was developed for the identification and quantification of d-alle thrin (DA) and its major impurities in commercial samples. Optimisation of the experimental conditions was carried out considering such important requirements as resolution, reproducibility, detection limits of 0.1% (m/m) for the impurities, and short analysis time. Under the optimised final conditions the method was validated for specificity, precision (CV% = 0.133 at 2.10 mg/mL and CV% = 0.035 at 3.00 mg/mL), linearity (0,3.00 ,g injected), limits of detection (0.09 ng injected) and quantitation (0.28 ng injected), and robustness. The DA related impurities were identified by using a GC/MS method with ion trap mass detection and also by comparison with synthesised standards. The most abundant impurities were crysolactone, allethrolone, chrysanthemic acid, and chloro-derivatives of DA. [source] Does the pelleting process affect the nutritive value of a pre-starter diet for suckling piglets?JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 5 2010Ex vivo studies on mineral absorption Abstract BACKGROUND: The effects of pelleting on the extent of the Maillard reaction (MR) and on calcium, magnesium and zinc solubility and absorption were analysed in a conventional pre-starter diet for suckling piglets. Development was tested measuring colour, absorbance (280/420 nm), fluorescence, residual free lysine, furosine, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural contents before and after pelleting. Fluorescence, absorbance and mineral solubility were also measured after in vitro digestion of diets. The effects on mineral absorption were tested using Caco-2 cells. RESULTS: MR indexes confirmed the development of the reaction during the pelleting of this particular diet compared with the meal diet. The CIE-Lab colour parameters showed a decrease in luminosity (L*) and progress of the colour to the red zone (a*) in the pelleted diet. A 36% decrease in free lysine content was observed. Significant correlations were observed between fluorescence intensity and furosine levels, HMF and furfural. The pelleting process did not modify calcium and magnesium solubility after in vitro digestion, but soluble zinc increased. The efficiency of calcium and zinc transport across Caco-2 cell monolayers was greater in the pelleted diet. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of MR development is shown, resulting in various nutritional consequences. Optimisation of pelleting could result in a better formulation of diets for feedstuffs. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Optimisation of kojic acid monolaurate synthesis with lipase PS from Pseudomonas cepaciaJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 6 2002Chee-Shan Chen Abstract To improve the instability of kojic acid in food and cosmetic use, the esterification of kojic acid catalysed by lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia (Amano PS) to synthesise kojic acid monolaurate (KAML) was investigated in this study. Response surface methodology (RSM) with a five-level/five-factor central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was employed to evaluate the effects of synthesis parameters such as reaction time (8,24,h), temperature (35 55,°C), enzyme amount (10,50%), substrate molar ratio of lauric acid to kojic acid (1:1,3:1) and added water content (0,20%) on the percentage molar conversion to KAML by direct esterification. Reaction time and added water content were the most important variables, while substrate molar ratio had less effect on percentage molar conversion. Based on canonical analysis and ridge maximum analysis, optimal synthesis conditions were reaction time 19,h, temperature 44,°C, enzyme amount 38%, substrate molar ratio 2:1 and added water content 10%. The predicted value was 85% and the actual experimental value 82% molar conversion. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Optimisation of in-service performance of boiler steels by modelling high-temperature corrosionMATERIALS AND CORROSION/WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION, Issue 3 2006L. Heikinheimo Abstract The main objective of the EU OPTICORR project is the optimisation of in-service performance of boiler steels by modelling high-temperature corrosion, the development of a life-cycle approach (LCA) for the materials in energy production, particularly for the steels used in waste incinerators and co-fired boiler plants. The expected benefits of this approach for safe and cost effective energy production are: - control and optimisation of in-service performance of boiler materials, - understanding of high-temperature corrosion and oxidation mechanisms under service conditions, - improvement of reliability to prevent the failure of components and plant accidents and - expanding the limits of boiler plant materials by corrosion simulations for flexible plant operation conditions (steel, fuel, temperature etc.). The technical aim of the EU OPTICORR project is the development of modelling tools for high-temperature oxidation and corrosion specifically in boiler conditions with HCl- and SO2 -containing combustion gases and Cl-containing salts. The work necessitates thermodynamic data collection and processing. For development and modelling, knowledge about the corrosion mechanisms and exact data are needed. The kinetics of high-temperature oxidation and corrosion are determined from laboratory thermo-gravimetric tests (TG) and multi-sample exposure tests. The materials studied are typical boiler tubes and fin-steels: ferritic alloys, the austenitic steel T347 and the Ni-based alloy Inconel 625. The exposure gases are dry air, air with 15 vol-% H2O, and with 2000 ppm HCl and 200 ppm SO2. The salt deposits used are based on KCl-ZnCl2 and Ca, Na, K, Pb, Zn-sulfates. The test temperatures for exposures with deposits are 320 and 420°C and, for gas exposures, 500 to 600°C. At present the tools being developed are ChemSheet based programmes with a kinetic module and easy-to-use interface and a more sophisticated numerical finite-difference-based diffusion calculation programme, InCorr, developed for prediction of inward corrosion and internal corrosion. The development of modelling tools for oxidation and high-temperature corrosion was started with thermodynamic data collection for relevant systems and thermodynamic mappings. Further, there are needs to develop the simulation model and tool for salt-induced hot corrosion based on the ChemSheet approach. Also, the work on modelling and simulating with the InCorr kinetic modelling tool will be continued to demonstrate the use of the tool for various steels and alloys in defined combustion environments. [source] Optimisation of surface passivation for highly reliable angular AMR sensorsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 2 2010M. Isler Abstract For state-of-the-art angular sensors based on the anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) effect in NiFe layers, the angular accuracy over time is limited by a drift of the offset voltage of the Wheatstone bridge configuration. It is shown that the interaction of the passivation layer and the magnetic permalloy is crucial for the drift of the offset voltage. By investigating the time and temperature dependence, the offset drift is attributed to stress relief of the PECVD passivation layer due to microstructural changes. Hydrogen outdiffusion from the passivation layer is involved in the observed stress evolution. It is demonstrated that optimising the passivation layer composition as well as the time of the subsequent annealing is beneficial for stress stabilisation of the permalloy-passivation layer system. With this optimised passivation layer a significant offset drift reduction of the NiFe Wheatstone bridge has been achieved resulting in highly accurate and long-term stable angular AMR sensors. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Method optimisation for peptide profiling of microdissected breast carcinoma tissue by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight/time of flight-mass spectrometryPROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 10 2005Arzu Umar Abstract Appropriate methods for the analysis of microdissected solid tumour tissues by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) are not yet well established. Optimisation of sample preparation was performed first on undissected tissue slices, representing ,200,000 cells, which were solubilised either in urea containing buffer, trifluoroethanol/NH4HCO3, 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) or in 0.1% RapiGest solution, then trypsin digested and analysed by MALDI-TOF MS. Solubilisation in 0.1% SDS resulted in detection of the highest number of sample specific peak signals. Interestingly, there was little overlap in detectable peaks using the different buffers, implying that they can be used complementarily to each other. Additionally, we fractionated tryptic digests on a monolithic high-performance liquid chromatography column. Fractionation of tryptic digest from whole tissue sections resulted in a four-fold increase in the total number of peaks detected. To prove this principle, we used 0.1% SDS to generate peptide patterns from 2000 microdissected tumour and stromal cells from five different breast carcinoma tumours. The tumour and stroma specific peaks could be detected upon comparison of the peptide profiles. Identification of differentially expressed peaks by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS was performed on fractionated tryptic digests derived from a whole tissue slice. In conclusion, we describe a method that is suitable for direct peptide profiling on small amounts of microdissected cells obtained from breast cancer tissues. [source] Narrow rows reduce biomass and seed production of weeds and increase maize yieldANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009A.B. Mashingaidze Abstract Smallholder farmers in southern African countries rely primarily on cultural control and hoe weeding to combat weeds, but often times, they are unable to keep up with the weeding requirements of the crop because of its laboriousness, causing them to incur major yield losses. Optimisation of crop planting pattern could help to increase yield and suppress weeds and to reduce the critical period of weed control and the weeding requirements to attain maximum yield. Experiments were carried out in Zimbabwe during two growing seasons to assess the effect of maize density and spatial arrangement on crop yield, growth and seed production of weeds and to determine the critical period for weeding. Planting maize at 60 cm row distance achieved higher yields and better weed suppression than planting at 75 or 90 cm row distance. Increasing crop densities beyond the customary three to four plants m,2 gave modest reductions in weed biomass but also diminished crop yields, probably because of increased competition for water and nutrient resources. Maize planted in narrow rows (60 cm) intercepted more radiation and suffered less yield reduction from delaying hoe weeding than those planted in wider rows (75 or 90 cm), and the duration of the weed-free period required to attain maximum grain yield was 3 weeks shorter in the narrow spacing than that in the 75- and 90-cm row spacings. Weeding was more effective in curtailing weed seed production in the narrow row spatial arrangements than in the wide row planting. The results of these studies show that narrow row spacings may reduce weeding requirements and increase yields. [source] Optimisation and the selection of conservation contracts*AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL & RESOURCE ECONOMICS, Issue 1 2007Stefan Hajkowicz This paper explores alternative techniques for the selection of conservation contracts under competitive tendering programs. Under these programs, purchasing decisions are often based on the benefits score and cost for proposed projects. The optimisation problem is to maximise the aggregate benefits without exceeding the budget. Because the budget rarely permits all projects to be funded, there is a binary choice problem, known in the operations research published work as a knapsack problem. The decision-maker must choose which projects are funded and which are not. Under some circumstances, the knapsack problem can be unsolvable because computational complexity increases exponentially with the number of projects. This paper explores the use of several decision rules for solving the optimisation problem including the use of advanced meta-heuristics. It is shown that commonly applied techniques for project selection may not be providing the optimal solution. Improved algorithms can increase the environmental programs benefits and staying within budget. The comparison of algorithms is based on real data from the Western Australian Conservation Auction. [source] Tailored Control and Optimisation of the Number of Phosphonic Acid Termini on Phosphorus-Containing Dendrimers for the Ex-Vivo Activation of Human MonocytesCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 16 2008Olivier Rolland Abstract The syntheses of a series of phosphonic acid-capped dendrimers is described. This collection is based on a unique set of dendritic structural parameters,cyclo(triphosphazene) core, benzylhydrazone branches and phosphonic acid surface,and was designed to study the influence of phosphonate (phosphonic acid) surface loading towards the activation of human monocytes ex vivo. Starting from the versatile hexachloro-cyclo(triphosphazene) N3P3Cl6, six first-generation dendrimers were obtained, bearing one to six full branches, that lead to 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 phosphonate termini, respectively. The surface loading was also explored at the limit of dense packing by means of a first-generation dendrimer having a cyclo(tetraphosphazene) core and bearing 32 termini, and with a first-generation dendrimer based on a AB2/CD5 growing pattern and bearing 60 termini. Human monocyte activation by these dendrimers confirms the requirement of the whole dendritic structure for bioactivity and identifies the dendrimer bearing four branches, thus 16 phosphonate termini, as the most bioactive. [source] Connecting patient needs with treatment managementACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2009R. Kerwin Objective:, To propose ideas for the development of a core strategy for monitoring patients with schizophrenia to ensure physical health and optimal treatment provision. Method:, A panel of European experts in the field of schizophrenia met in Bordeaux in June 2006 to discuss, ,Patient management optimisation through improved treatment monitoring.' Results:, Key consensus from the discussion deemed that weight gain, oral health and ECG parameters were core baseline parameters to be monitored in all patients with schizophrenia. Further, an identification of a patient's own barriers to treatment alongside local health service strategies might comprise elements of an individualised management strategy which would contribute to optimisation of treatment. Any monitoring strategy should be kept simple to encourage physician compliance. Conclusion:, A practical solution to the difficulties of providing holistic patient care would be to suggest a limited set of physical parameters to be monitored by physicians on a regular basis. [source] Structural Studies of ,-Cyclodextrin and Permethylated ,-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Compounds of Cyclopentadienyl Metal Carbonyl ComplexesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2006Susana S. Braga Abstract [CpM(CO)nCl] complexes with M = Fe (n = 2) and Mo (n = 3) have been immobilised in plain ,-cyclodextrin (,-CD) and permethylated ,-CD (TRIMEB) by methods tailored according to the stabilities and solubilities of the individual components. Four adducts were obtained with a 1:1 host/guest stoichiometry. The compounds were studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), 13C{1H} CP/MAS NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. A comparison of the experimental powder XRD data for the TRIMEB/[CpMo(CO)3Cl] inclusion compound with reference patterns revealed that the crystal packing is very similar to that reported previously for a TRIMEB/ethyl laurate inclusion compound. The unit-cell parameters refined to a = 14.731, b = 22.476, c = 27.714 Å (volume = 9176.3 Å3), and the space group was confirmed as P212121. A hypothetical structural model of the inclusion compound was subsequently obtained by global optimisation using simulated annealing. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006) [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||