Removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions using inorganic porous nanocomposites

Cătălin Ianăşi,Mirela Picioruş,Roxana Nicola,Mihaela Ciopec,Adina Negrea,Daniel Nižňanský,Adél Len,László Almásy,Ana-Maria Putz 한국화학공학회 2019 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.36 No.5

The present paper reports a one-pot synthesis of magnetic nanocomposites samples through acid catalyzed sol-gel method. Fe(III) acetylacetonate was used as precursor of the iron oxide phase: tetraethylortosilicate for the silica phase and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, molecular mass 49000) as pore former. Different concentrations of Fe2O3 in composites matrices were prepared and studied ranging from 0% to 20%. All reactions took place in one pot at room temperature; the materials were subsequently heat treated at 300 oC, to ensure the crystallinity for the iron oxide having spinel structure, forming nanoparticles confined in the silica matrix. The materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction, small-angle neutron scattering, FT-IR spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption, Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetization measurements. The maximum value of room temperature saturation magnetization of ~54 emu/g and 0.11 kOe coercive field was achieved for the magnetic nanocomposite sample with 20% Fe2O3. The highest surface area of 680m2/g was obtained for the sample with 10% Fe2O3. The potential applicability of the obtained materials was studied for adsorption performance for cadmium in aqueous solutions. The Langmuir isotherm model described well the adsorption data, indicating monolayer adsorption of Cd(II) on the heterogeneous composite surface.

The Expression of Genes Related to Egg Production in the Liver of Taiwan Country Chickens

Ding, S.T.,Ko, Y.H.,Ou, B.R.,Wang, P.H.,Chen, C.L.,Huang, M.C.,Lee, Y.P.,Lin, E.C.,Chen, C.F.,Lin, H.W.,Cheng, Winston Teng Kuei Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2008 Animal Bioscience Vol.21 No.1

The purpose of this study was to detect expression of genes related to egg production in Taiwan Country chickens by suppression subtractive hybridization. Liver samples of mRNA extraction from two Taiwan Country chicken strains (L2 and B), originated from the same population but with very distinct egg production rates after long-term selection for egg and meat production respectively. Two-way subtraction was performed. The hepatic cDNA from the low egg production chickens (B) was subtracted from the hepatic cDNA from the high egg production strain (L2). The reversed subtraction (L2 from B) was also performed. The resulting differentially expressed gene fragments were cloned and sequenced. We sequenced 288 clones from the forward subtraction and 96 clones from the reverse subtraction. These genes were subjected to further screening to confirm the differential expression between the two genetic breeds of chickens. The apolipoprotein B (apoB) was expressed to a greater extent in the liver of the L2 than in the B line chickens. The 5-aminoimidazole- 4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase/IMP cyclohydrolase (PURH) was expressed to a greater extent in the liver of the B than in the L2 strain chickens. We demonstrated that both apoB and PURH were more highly expressed in the liver than that in other tissues (muscle, ovary, and oviduct) in laying Taiwan Country chickens. Taken together, these data suggest that after the selection for egg production, expression of apoB and PURH genes were also changed. Whether the changed expression of these genes is directly related to egg production is not known, but these two genes may be useful markers for egg laying performance in Taiwan Country chickens.

Effects of catalysts on structural and adsorptive properties of iron oxide-silica nanocomposites

Cătălin Ianăși,Paula Ianăși (b. Svera),Adina Negrea,Mihaela Ciopec,Oleksandr I. Ivankov,Alexander I. Kuklin,László Almásy,Ana-Maria Putz 한국화학공학회 2021 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.38 No.2

Iron oxide-silica nanocomposites were prepared by sol-gel method using ammonia (NH3), acetic acid (CH3COOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) catalysts to generate different pH values for the reaction conditions. As starting precursors, for the silica, respectively, for the iron oxide, tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and iron-III-acetylacetonate were used. The physico-chemical characterization of the materials revealed that the sample obtained with HCl catalyst displays the largest surface area (300m2/g), the most compact network structure, highest surface roughness, biggest crystallite size (14 nm), magnetization (7 emu/g) and superparamagnetic behavior. These materials were tested for adsorption of Cr6+ and Zn2+ from aqueous solution. Sample M-HCl presented the highest surface area and was further used for adsorption of metal ions. Kinetic, thermodynamic and equilibrium adsorption measurements studies were made for Cr6+ and Zn2+. To establish the material behavior from a thermodynamic point of view, temperature and contact time of adsorption process, activation energy, free energy, of standard enthalpy and entropy were calculated. The kinetic behavior was modelled by pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion kinetic models and the adsorption characteristics were determined by modelling the experimental data with Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips isotherms.

A certified plasmid reference material for the standardisation of <i>BCR–ABL1</i> mRNA quantification by real-time quantitative PCR

White, H,Deprez, L,Corbisier, P,Hall, V,Lin, F,Mazoua, S,Trapmann, S,Aggerholm, A,Andrikovics, H,Akiki, S,Barbany, G,Boeckx, N,Bench, A,Catherwood, M,Cayuela, J-M,Chudleigh, S,Clench, T,Colomer, D,Dar Nature Publishing Group 2015 Leukemia Vol.29 No.2

<P>Serial quantification of <I>BCR–ABL1</I> mRNA is an important therapeutic indicator in chronic myeloid leukaemia, but there is a substantial variation in results reported by different laboratories. To improve comparability, an internationally accepted plasmid certified reference material (CRM) was developed according to ISO Guide 34:2009. Fragments of <I>BCR–ABL1</I> (e14a2 mRNA fusion)<I>, BCR</I> and <I>GUSB</I> transcripts were amplified and cloned into pUC18 to yield plasmid pIRMM0099. Six different linearised plasmid solutions were produced with the following copy number concentrations, assigned by digital PCR, and expanded uncertainties: 1.08±0.13 × 10<SUP>6</SUP>, 1.08±0.11 × 10<SUP>5</SUP>, 1.03±0.10 × 10<SUP>4</SUP>, 1.02±0.09 × 10<SUP>3</SUP>, 1.04±0.10 × 10<SUP>2</SUP> and 10.0±1.5 copies/μl. The certification of the material for the number of specific DNA fragments per plasmid, copy number concentration of the plasmid solutions and the assessment of inter-unit heterogeneity and stability were performed according to ISO Guide 35:2006. Two suitability studies performed by 63 <I>BCR–ABL1</I> testing laboratories demonstrated that this set of 6 plasmid CRMs can help to standardise a number of measured transcripts of e14a2 <I>BCR–ABL1</I> and three control genes (<I>ABL1, BCR</I> and <I>GUSB</I>). The set of six plasmid CRMs is distributed worldwide by the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (Belgium) and its authorised distributors (https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/reference-materials/catalogue/; CRM code ERM-AD623a-f).</P>

Effects of Free-range Farming on Carcass and Meat Qualities of Black-feathered Taiwan Native Chicken

Cheng, F.Y.,Huang, C.W.,Wan, T.C.,Liu, Y.T.,Lin, L.C.,Lou Chyr, Chu-Ying Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2008 Animal Bioscience Vol.21 No.8

The effects of free-range farming, compared to a conventional production system, on carcass and meat qualities were studied using black-feathered Taiwan native chickens. Twenty 16-week old females were purchased separately from a free-range farm and a conventional production farm and used for this study. The results showed similarities in the live weight (roughly 2.1 kg), dressing percentage (69%) and meat percentage (19%) of deboned leg quarter. Significant differences (p<0.05) found for the free-range chickens included: a higher percentage of meat for the breast, an increased crude protein content and chewiness value for the breast, but decreased crude fat content and lower hardness and fracturablility values for the leg quarter. Significantly higher L* values were found for the breast and leg meat of conventionally produced chickens, whereas no significant differences were found for WHC and purge loss between the breast and the leg, and between the two production systems as well. Results of sensory evaluation showed a significant preference for leg over breast meat (p<0.05). The scores of all the attributes including aroma, flavor, firmness, tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptability of leg meat from free-range chickens were slightly higher than for conventional chickens, while the reverse was true for breast meat, though no significant difference could be found. Free-range Taiwan native chicken appeared to yield the best of the results, with flavorful yet tender leg meat for higher sensory satisfaction, and high-protein but low-fat breast meat for healthier diet choice.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Detected by Shear Wave Elastography within a Fibroadenoma

Fahrettin Kılıç,Fethi Emre Ustabaşıoğlu,Cesur Samancı,Ahmet Baş,Mehmet Velidedeoglu,Tülin Kılıçaslan,Fatih Aydogan,Mehmet Halit Yılmaz 한국유방암학회 2014 Journal of breast cancer Vol.17 No.2

Fibroadenoma is the most common breast tumor in women. Malignant transformation occurs rarely within fibroadenoma atolder ages. Clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists need to beaware of malignant transformation within fibroadenomas. Radiologicstudies play an important role in the diagnosis of fibroadenoma;however, radiologic findings are often nonspecific formalignancy and may appear completely benign. We detected anoccult ductal carcinoma in situ that originated inside a fibroadenomaby using shear wave elastography. We report shearwave elastography findings of ductal carcinoma in situ withinfibroadenoma and discuss the diagnostic role of this modality.

Effects of dietary supplementation with Taiwanese tea byproducts and probiotics on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and the immune response in red feather native chickens

Chen L. W.,Chuang W. Y.,Hsieh Y. C.,Lin H. H.,Lin W. C.,Lin L. J.,Chang S. C.,Lee T. T. 아세아·태평양축산학회 2021 Animal Bioscience Vol.34 No.3

Objective: This study compared the catechin composition of different tea byproducts and investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with green tea byproducts on the accumulation of abdominal fat, the modulation of lipid metabolism, and the inflammatory response in red feather native chickens.Methods: Bioactive compounds were detected, and in vitro anti-obesity capacity analyzed via 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. In animal experiments, 320 one-day-old red feather native chickens were divided into 4 treatment groups: control, basal diet supplemented with 0.5% Jinxuan byproduct (JBP), basal diet supplemented with 1% JBP, or basal diet supplemented with 5×10⁶ colony-forming unit (CFU)/kg <i>Bacillus amyloliquefaciens</i>+5×10⁶ CFU/kg <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> (BA+SC). Growth performance, serum characteristics, carcass characteristics, and the mRNA expression of selected genes were measured.Results: This study compared several cultivars of tea, but Jinxuan showed the highest levels of the anti-obesity compound epigallocatechin gallate. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes treated with Jinxuan extract significantly reduced lipid accumulation. There were no significant differences in growth performance, serum characteristics, or carcass characteristics among the groups. However, in the 0.5% JBP group, mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were significantly decreased. In the 1% JBP group, FAS, ACC and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ levels were significantly decreased. Moreover, inflammation-related mRNA expression levels were decreased by the addition of JBP.Conclusion: JBP contained abundant catechins and related bioactive compounds, which reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, however there was no significant reduction in abdominal fat. This may be due to a lack of active anti-obesity compounds or because the major changes in fat metabolism were not in the abdomen. Nonetheless, lipogenesis-related and inflammation-related mRNA expression were reduced in the 1% JBP group. In addition, dietary supplementation with tea byproducts could reduce the massive amount of byproducts created during tea production and modulate lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response in chickens. Objective: This study compared the catechin composition of different tea byproducts and investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with green tea byproducts on the accumulation of abdominal fat, the modulation of lipid metabolism, and the inflammatory response in red feather native chickens. Methods: Bioactive compounds were detected, and in vitro anti-obesity capacity analyzed via 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. In animal experiments, 320 one-day-old red feather native chickens were divided into 4 treatment groups: control, basal diet supplemented with 0.5% Jinxuan byproduct (JBP), basal diet supplemented with 1% JBP, or basal diet supplemented with 5×106 colony-forming unit (CFU)/kg Bacillus amyloliquefaciens+5×106 CFU/kg Saccharomyces cerevisiae (BA+SC). Growth performance, serum characteristics, carcass characteristics, and the mRNA expression of selected genes were measured. Results: This study compared several cultivars of tea, but Jinxuan showed the highest levels of the anti-obesity compound epigallocatechin gallate. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes treated with Jinxuan extract significantly reduced lipid accumulation. There were no significant differences in growth performance, serum characteristics, or carcass characteristics among the groups. However, in the 0.5% JBP group, mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were significantly decreased. In the 1% JBP group, FAS, ACC and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ levels were significantly decreased. Moreover, inflammation-related mRNA expression levels were decreased by the addition of JBP. Conclusion: JBP contained abundant catechins and related bioactive compounds, which reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, however there was no significant reduction in abdominal fat. This may be due to a lack of active anti-obesity compounds or because the major changes in fat metabolism were not in the abdomen. Nonetheless, lipogenesis-related and inflammation-related mRNA expression were reduced in the 1% JBP group. In addition, dietary supplementation with tea byproducts could reduce the massive amount of byproducts created during tea production and modulate lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response in chickens.

Distribution of stress state in the Nankai subduction zone, southwest Japan and a comparison with Japan Trench

Lin, W.,Byrne, T.B.,Kinoshita, M.,McNeill, L.C.,Chang, C.,Lewis, J.C.,Yamamoto, Y.,Saffer, D.M.,Casey Moore, J.,Wu, H.Y.,Tsuji, T.,Yamada, Y.,Conin, M.,Saito, S.,Ito, T.,Tobin, H.J.,Kimura, G.,Kanagaw Elsevier Scientific Publishing Co 2016 Tectonophysics Vol.692 No.2

<P>To better understand the distribution of three dimensional stress states in the Nankai subduction zone, southwest Japan, we review various stress-related investigations carried out in the first and second stage expeditions of the Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment (NanTroSEIZE) by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) and compile the stress data. Overall, the maximum principal stress sigma(l) in the shallower levels (<similar to 1 km) is vertical from near the center of forearc basin to near the trench and; the maximum horizontal stress S-Hmax (interpreted to be the intermediate principal stress sigma(2)) is generally parallel to the plate convergence vector. The exception to this generalization occurs along the shelf edge of the Nankai margin where S-Hmax, is along strike rather than parallel to the plate convergence vector. Reorientation of the principal stresses at deeper levels (e.g., >similar to 1 km below seafloor or in underlying accretionary prism) with sigma(1) becoming horizontal is also suggested at all deeper drilling sites. We also make a comparison of the stress state in the hanging wall of the frontal plate-interface between Site C0066 in the Nankai and Site C0019 in the Japan Trench subduction zone drilled after the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake. In the Japan Trench, a comparison between stress state before and after the 2011 mega-earthquake shows that the stress changed from compression before the earthquake to extension after the earthquake. As a result of the comparison between the Nankai Trough and Japan Trench, a similar current stress state with trench parallel extension was recognized at both C0006 and C0019 sites. Hypothetically, this may indicate that in Nankai Trough it is still in an early stage of the interseismic cycle of a great earthquake which occurs on the decollement and propagates to the toe (around site C0006). (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.</P>

Current Improvement for a 3∅ Bi-directional Inverter with Wide Inductance Variation

T.-F. Wu,L.-C. Lin,C.-H. Chang,Y.-L. Lin,Y.-R. Chang 전력전자학회 2011 ICPE(ISPE)논문집 Vol.2011 No.5

This paper presents current improvement for a 3? bi-directional inverter with wide inductance variation. A bi-directional inverter fulfilling grid connection and rectification with power factor correction has been designed and implemented in the laboratory. With a digital predictive current control, the inverter can accommodate wide inductance variation, improving current distortion in high power applications significantly. However, under low current levels, inductor currents have serious distortion. To improve current distortion, this paper presents four attempts, including mid-point current sampling, smooth region transition, current interleaving, and duty splitting. Theoretical analysis and experimental results are presented to verify the discussion.

Power Loss Analysis of Photovoltaic DC Distributed Generation Systems with Grid-Connection

T.-F. Wu,C.-H. Chang,L.-C. Lin,Y.-L.Lin 전력전자학회 2011 ICPE(ISPE)논문집 Vol.2011 No.5

This paper presents power loss analysis for PV dc-distributed systems based on the loss factors of double line-frequency voltage ripple (DLFVR), fast irradiance variation + DLFVR, fast dc load variation + DLFVR, limited operating voltage range + DLFVR, and overall loss factor combination. These loss factors will result in power deviation from the maximum power points. In the paper, both single-stage and two-stage grid-connected PV systems are considered. All of the effects on a two-stage system are insignificant due to an additional maximum power point tracker, but the tracker will reduce the system efficiency typically about 2.5 %. The power loss caused by these loss factors in a single-stage grid-connected PV system is also around 2.5 %; that is, a single-stage system has the merits of saving components and reducing cost, while does not penalize overall system efficiency in dc-distribution applications. Simulation results with the MATLAB software package and experimental results have confirmed the analysis.