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A solvothermal route to prepare Glutathione capped hybrid ytterbium/iron oxide nanoparticles with potential applications as multiplatform contrast agent in medical image techniques has been developed. The influence of ytterbium/iron molar ratio used as precursor, as well as the degree of the autoclave filling on the structural and morphological characteristics of the obtained nanoparticles has been extensively studied. Although all nanoparticles present similar composition, with YbFeO3 being the majority phase, size and morphology of the as synthetized nanoparticles are highly influenced by the critical temperature and by the over -saturation reached during the solvothermal process. We have demonstrated that glutathione properly functionalizes the hybrid nanoparticles, increasing their colloidal stability and decreasing their cytotoxicity. Additionally, they show good imaging in magnetic resonance and X-ray computerized tomography, thereby indicating promising potential as a dual contrast agent. This work presents, for the first time, glutathione functionalized ytterbium/iron oxide nanoparticles with potential applications in Biomedicine., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MAT2015-67354-R) for O.B-M and PID2020-117544RB-I00, for F.G-CPECART-0096-2020, Consejería Salud y Familias. JA Spain; and P20_01293, Consejería Economía, Conocimiento, Empresas y Universidad. JA Spain; for F.G-C; Spanish MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (project PID2020-118329RB-I00) for E.N; and MINECO/ FEDER Project MAT2017-87579-R. The authors would like to thank the Nanotechnology in translational hyperthermia RED2018-102626-T network.

In this research, the use of olive pomacefly ash(OPFA) as an alkaline source for the activationof calcined clays (CC) from Bail en (Ja en, Spain) was studied. The optimal composition was obtained for 70 wt % CC and 30 wt % OPFA. The physical,mechanical and thermal properties of control geopolymers that usewater as a liquidmediumhave been studied and comparedwith geopolymers that use additional activating solutions as sodiumor potassiumhydroxide solutions (8M), or amixture of alkaline hydroxide and alkaline silicate solution (NaOHeNa2SiO3 or KOHeK2SiO3). The results showed that OPFA can be used as an alkaline activator, showing mechanical properties slightly lower than those obtained when additional alkaline hydroxide activating solutions were used. The best compressive strength was obtained for geopolymers that use alkaline silicates as an activating solution. However, the best thermal insulation properties were obtained for control geopolymers. The microstructural characteristics of the geopolymers were evaluated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning ElectronMicroscopy (SEM-EDS) that corroborate the formationof geopolymeric gel inall the specimens, beingthe amount of gel formed greater insamples using commercial potassiumactivating solutions. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using this type of waste, OPFA, as activating reagents in the manufacture of geopolymers or alkaline activated materials. The manufactured geopolymers can be used as compressed earth blocks for walls and partitions, since the specimens pursue mechanical properties that comply with current regulations, presenting better thermal insulation properties.

An optimal design of nanoparticles suitable for biomedical applications requires proper functionalization, a key step in the synthesis of such nanoparticles, not only for subsequent crosslinking to biological targets and to avoid cytotoxicity, but also to endow these materials with colloidal stability. In this sense, a reliable characterization of the effectiveness of the functionalization process would, therefore, be crucial for subsequent bioconjugations. In this work, we have analyzed glutathione as a means to functionalize four of the most widely used nanoparticles in biomedicine, one of which is a hybrid gold-magnetic-iron-oxide nanoparticle synthetized by a simple and novel method that we propose in this article. We have analyzed the colloidal characteristics that the glutathione capping provides to the different nanoparticles and, using information on the Z-potential, we have deduced the chemical group used by glutathione to link to the nanoparticle core. We have used electron microscopy for further structural and chemical characterization of the nanoparticles. Finally, we have evaluated nanoparticle cytotoxicity, studying cell viability after incubation with different concentrations of nanoparticles, showing their suitability for biomedical applications.

WOS: 000453906100006, Conductive poly(o-toluidine)/kaolinite composite was synthesized via chemical polymerization of o-toluidine in the availability of kaolinite using ammonium persulfate as oxidizing agent. To investigate the use of the prepared conductive composite as humidity and temperature sensor, the effect of polymerization conditions such as HCl, o-toluidine and oxidant concentrations on the amount of conductive POT contained in the composite and the conductivity values of composites were investigated. It was found that the composites with the highest poly(o-toluidine) content (29.4%) and conductivity (8.3x10(-4) Scm(-1)) were obtained by 0.2 M ammonium persulfate, 0.4 M o-toluidine and 1 M hydrochloric acid for 2 hours of continuous polymerization at 20 degrees C. The resistivity values of pure poly(o-toluidine) and poly (o-toluidine)/kaolinite composite were monitored during heatingcooling cycles in the range of 0-100 degrees C. Changes in resistivity for pure poly(o-toluidine) and poly(o-toluidine)/kaolinite composite with humidity 30-90% were examined and humidity sensor behavior was determined. Characterization of the prepared composite was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy techniques (SEM)., Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Organization (TUBITAK) [107M542], This work was supported by Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Organization (TUBITAK) project numbered as 107M542.

WOS: 000463148400012, A new sol gel templating method was developed for the synthesis of magnetic monodisperse-porous titania microspheres 5.5 mu m in size. A bimodal pore size distribution including both mesoporous and macroporous regions was first reported for magnetic titania microspheres. The product obtained by developed method and its AuNP decorated forms were evaluated as photocatalyst for textile-dye degradation in batch fashion. Different from the photocatalytic degradations performed by titania nanoparticles (i.e. P25 or similar types), a decolorization process including two serial stages was observed with the magnetic-porous titania microspheres. In the first stage, the low intraparticular diffusion resistance originated from macropores and the high surface area originated from mesopores provided fast dye adsorption onto the magnetic photocatalyst and a sudden decrease in the dye concentration (i.e. fast decolorization) that was not observed with titania nanoparticles. In the second stage, a slower decolorization occurred due to the slower photochemical degradation of adsorbed dye molecules on the magnetic photocatalyst. Complete removal of dye was achieved at acidic pH, using magnetic titania microspheres. A marked enhancement in the decolorization rate was obtained by the decoration of magnetic titania microspheres with AuNPs synthesized by Martin method., Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA), Special thanks are extended to Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA) for the research support provided to Prof. Ali Tuncel as a full member.

3rd International Conference on Computational and Experimental Science and Engineering (ICCESEN) -- OCT 19-24, 2016 -- Antalya, TURKEY, WOS: 000412881200040, In this study, tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal method in the presence of hydrazine and ammonia by adding surfactant for 12 h in a Teflon autoclave at 100 degrees C reaction temperature. Tin(II) chloride hydrate as an inorganic precursor, hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and tetrapropyl ammonium bromide (TPAB) as cationic, and sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) as anionic surfactants were used. The results showed that the size and shape of nanoparticles depended on the surfactant types. The nanoparticles sizes between 17.5 and 19.7 nm were obtained by changing types of surfactants. Synthesized tin oxide nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy., Cumhuriyet University Scientific Research Project (CUBAP) [M601], This work was supported by Cumhuriyet University Scientific Research Project (CUBAP), project numbered as M601.

WOS: 000462355600005, PubMed: 30688157, In the present study a combination of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 3 (TGF-beta 3) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2) loaded gelatin films sandwiched between poly (L-lactide) (PLLA)/poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) matrices were produced to enhance bone formation in alveolar bone defects. Osteogenic properties of tissue constructs were tested in alveolar bone defect model in rats. Bone healing was assessed by osteogenic gene expression levels of bone sialoprotein (BSP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteonectin (ON, SPARC), osteocalcin (OC), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) activity, histomorphometry and microtomography. Increase in osteogenic gene expression levels and BALP activity results showed that new bone formation was significantly accelerated in TGF-beta 3 + BMP-2 loaded scaffold group compared to growth factor free and only BMP-2 loaded groups. The micro-computed tomography (mu-CT) data from the 4(th) months revealed that (TGF-beta 3+ BMP-2) loaded scaffolds displayed increased bone formation and was able to fulfill 84% of the defect area (p < 0.05). Accelerated bone formation in the S-GF-B-T group compared to that of the S-GF group at the end of the 4th month was further verified via histomorphometric analysis (p = 0.008). Gene expression, BALP activity, microtomography and histomorphometry analysis indicated that (TGF-beta 3 + BMP-2) loaded PLLA/PCL scaffolds increased the new bone formation. BMP-2 loaded scaffolds were less effective than combination of TGF-beta 3 and BMP-2 loaded scaffolds. These findings demonstrated that focusing on the PLLA/PCL hybrid scaffolds combined with (TGF-beta 3 + BMP-2) may lay the groundwork for future therapy-oriented efforts to enhance bone formation in alveolar defects., Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK) [108S336, SBAG-4083], We thank Professor Hamdi H. Alkan, MD to provide using the mu-CT facility. This study was funded by the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK) Project No: 108S336 (SBAG-4083). Erhan Piskin is a full member of Turkish Academy of Sciences.

WOS: 000446318600027, Impact of the nanoparticle size and concentration on the rheology of ethylene glycol based nanofluids containing nanoparticles of five different metal oxides is investigated. Particle mass concentrations ranged from 5 to 20 wt %. Types of the nanoparticles and their particle size are TiO2 (30 nm, 50 nm), MgO (20 nm, 40 nm), ZnO (10-30 nm, 35-45 nm, 80-200 nm), SiO2 (20-30 nm, 60-70 nm) and CuO (40 nm, 80 nm). A stress controlled rheometer fitted with a cone-and-plate system is employed for the rheological characterization of the nanodispersions at temperatures between -5 degrees C and 35 degrees C. The non-linear measurements reveal that nanofluids of CuO (40 nm), ZnO (10-30 nm, 35-45 nm) and MgO (20 nm, 40 nm) particles exhibit non-Newtonian shear thinning behavior at particle mass concentrations higher than 5 %. No appreciable shear thinning is observed for the dispersions of TiO2 (30 nm, 50 nm) and SiO2 (20-30 nm, 60-70 nm) particles. Strong dependency between relative viscosity of the suspensions and particle size and loading is observed. Temperature, on the other hand, plays a marginal role in the relative viscosity of the suspensions. The shear viscosity measurements indicated the presence of particle size and concentration dependent apparent yield stress for CuO and ZnO nanofluids. Investigated nanofluids do not exhibit any thixotropy during their rheological characterization. Finally, viscoelastic measurements suggest that nanofluids are free of gel formation., Scientific Research Project Fund of Cumhuriyet University [M-490], The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge the funding from Scientific Research Project Fund of Cumhuriyet University under the project number M-490.

The reaction kinetics of CO2absorption into new carbon dioxide binding organic liquids (CO2BOLs) was com-prehensively studied to evaluate their potential for CO2removal. A stopped- ow apparatus with conductivity detectionwas used to determine the CO2absorption kinetics of novel CO2BOLs composed of DBN (1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene)/1-propanol and TBD (1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene)/1-butanol. A modi ed termolecular reaction mechanismfor the reaction of CO2with CO2BOLs was used to calculate the observed pseudo- rst{order rate constant k0(s1)and second-order reaction rate constant k2(m3/kmol.s). Experiments were performed by varying organic base (DBN orTBD) weight percentage in alcohol medium for a temperature range of 288{308 K. It was found that k0increased withincreasing amine concentration and temperature. By comparing using two different CO2BOL systems, it was observedthat the TBD/1-butanol system has faster reaction kinetics than the DBN/1-propanol system. Finally, experimentaland theoretical activation energies of these CO2BOL systems were obtained and compared. Quantum chemical calcula-tions using spin restricted B3LYP and MP2 methods were utilized to reveal the structural and energetic details of thesingle-step termolecular reaction mechanism. The reaction kinetics of CO2absorption into new carbon dioxide binding organic liquids (CO2BOLs) was com-prehensively studied to evaluate their potential for CO2removal. A stopped- ow apparatus with conductivity detectionwas used to determine the CO2absorption kinetics of novel CO2BOLs composed of DBN (1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene)/1-propanol and TBD (1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene)/1-butanol. A modi ed termolecular reaction mechanismfor the reaction of CO2with CO2BOLs was used to calculate the observed pseudo- rst{order rate constant k0(s1)and second-order reaction rate constant k2(m3/kmol.s). Experiments were performed by varying organic base (DBN orTBD) weight percentage in alcohol medium for a temperature range of 288{308 K. It was found that k0increased withincreasing amine concentration and temperature. By comparing using two different CO2BOL systems, it was observedthat the TBD/1-butanol system has faster reaction kinetics than the DBN/1-propanol system. Finally, experimentaland theoretical activation energies of these CO2BOL systems were obtained and compared. Quantum chemical calcula-tions using spin restricted B3LYP and MP2 methods were utilized to reveal the structural and energetic details of thesingle-step termolecular reaction mechanism.

WOS: 000425561000047, A new photocatalyst in the form of "monodisperse-porous titania microspheres" 5 mu m in size, was synthesized by a developed staged-shape template hydrolysis and condensation protocol. Different from the batch-decolorization studies performed with the "non-porous titania nanoparticles", a two-stage decolorization process including a fast initial dye adsorption and a relatively slower photodegradation was observed with the proposed photocatalyst. Higher initial decolorization rate was achieved due to the fast dye adsorption onto the porous titania microspheres with higher surface area with respect to "non-porous titania nanoparticles" commonly employed as photocatalyst in similar decolorization studies. Moreover, gold decorated forms of monodisperse-porous titania microspheres were also synthesized. Higher decolorization rates with respect to the bare titania microspheres were achieved with the gold decorated forms at neutral pH. Gold decorated photocatalyst synthesized using gold nanoparticles with lower size provided 50% higher decolorization rate due to their better electron transfer characteristics. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA), Special thanks are extended to Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA) for the research support provided to Prof. Ali Tuncel as a full member.

WOS: 000345637100002, Rheological characterization of TiO2 nanoparticle dispersions in polyethylene glycol (PEG 200) is presented over 1-10 wt% particle mass fraction range in terms of shear viscosity, thixotropy and linear viscoelasticity. A stress controlled rheometer fitted by a cone-and-plate system was employed for the rheological measurements between -10 degrees C and 40 degrees C. The non-linear viscoelastic experiments revealed that TiO2-PEG 200 nanofluid exhibits a shear thinning behavior when particle mass fraction exceeds 1%. No appreciable change in the shear viscosity versus shear rate behavior was detected over the course of four days of dispersion storage. At high particle concentrations the dispersions had a yield stress that was determined by fitting the results through Herschel-Bukley model. Within the studied range of particle concentration, no evidence of thixotropic behavior was observed. In addition, relative viscosity measured at high shear region was found to be independent of the temperature. On the other hand, strong temperature dependency was observed at low shear region particularly at high temperatures. Storage and loss moduli of the TiO2-PEG 200 nanofluid were determined by frequency sweep measurements with applied stresses in the linear viscoelastic region. It was found that when the applied stress is lower than the corresponding yield stress TiO2-PEG 200 nanofluid showed a gel structure especially at high particle mass concentration., Scientific Research Project Fund of Cumhuriyet University [M-446], The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by the Scientific Research Project Fund of Cumhuriyet University under the project number M-446.

WOS: 000329937200023, In this work, computer simulation results of steady incompressible flow in a 2-D square lid-driven cavity up to Reynolds number (Re) 65000 are presented and compared with those of earlier studies. The governing flow equations are solved by using the finite volume approach. Quadratic upstream interpolation for convective kinematics (QUICK) is used for the approximation of the convective terms in the flow equations. In the implementation of QUICK, the deferred correction technique is adopted. A non-uniform staggered grid arrangement of 768x768 is employed to discretize the flow geometry. Algebraic forms of the coupled flow equations are then solved through the iterative SIMPLE (Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure-Linked Equation) algorithm. The outlined computational methodology allows one to meet the main objective of this work, which is to address the computational convergence and wiggled flow problems encountered at high Reynolds and Peclet (Pe) numbers. Furthermore, after Re >= 25000 additional vortexes appear at the bottom left and right corners that have not been observed in earlier studies., Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey [109M012], The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey through the research project of 109M012.

WOS: 000327506000006, Computational results for steady laminar flow of three different shear thinning fluids lid-driven square cavity are presented. The viscoelastic nature of the fluids is represented by linear and exponential Phan-Thien Tanner (PTT) and Giesekus constitutive models. Computations are based on finite volume technique incorporating non-uniform collocated grids. The stress terms in the constitutive equations are approximated by higher-order and bounded scheme of Convergent and Universally Bounded Interpolation Scheme for the Treatment of Advection (CUBISTA). Effects of the elasticity, inertia as well as constitutive model parameters on the stress and velocity fields, size and intensity of the primary and secondary vortexes are investigated and discussed in detail. Moreover highly accurate benchmark numerical solutions are provided for each considered constitutive model.

WOS: 000387837300007, Monodisperse porous titania microbeads were synthesized by a sol-gel templating protocol. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized by Turkevich and Martin methods 16 and 5 nm in size, respectively and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) 12 nm in size were decorated onto the primary amine attached titania microbeads. Both size and porous properties of bare or AuNP/AgNP decorated monodisperse-porous titania microbeads were suitable for using them as a photocatalyst in a "Microfluidic, Photocatalytic Packed Bed Reactor (MPPBR)" with reasonable pressure drops in the microflow rate range. Then, a MPPBR system for "continuous photocatalytic dye degradation" was first constructed by slurry packing of bare or AuNP/AgNP decorated titania microbeads into a fused silica capillary 320 mu m in diameter. The photocatalytic activities of bare and AuNP/AgNP decorated titania microbeads were determined in MPPBR using a textile dye, Remazol Black 5 (RB5). The complete removal of RB5 was achieved in continuous mode and an appreciable enhancement in the photoremoval rate of RB5 was observed with the MPPBR containing Martin AuNP decorated titania microbeads. The system constructed can be evaluated as a promising tool for both pre-column and post-column applications involving the removal of coloured contaminants in the assays conducted in micro-liquid chromatography systems. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

WOS: 000308103500004, PubMed ID: 23240179, In this study, the sorption/desorption equilibruim and the desorption kinetics of Cd by rhamnolipid biosurfactant from Na-feldspar as a soil component were investigated. The linear, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms adequately fitted the equilibrium sorption data with regression coefficients ranging from 0.9836-0.9879. However, both the sorption/desorption equilibria were well characterized by the Freundlich model. The extent of hysteresis was quantified based on the differences obtained from sorption and desorption isotherms regarding the quantity of Cd(II) sorbed, the Freundlich exponent, concentration-dependent metal distribution coefficients, and the irreversibility index based on the metal distribution coefficient. The kinetics of desorption of Cd from Na-feldspar was investigated using 77 mM rhamnolipid and at pH 6.8. The first-order, an empirical first-order desorption model (two-coefficient), Lagergren-pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich and modified Freundlich models were used to describe the kinetic data to estimate the rate constants. To determine the rate-controlling step, the intra-particle diffusion model was also applied to the desorption process. The desorption kinetics of Cd(II) on Na-feldspar was represented better by the pseudo-second-order, Elovich and modified Freundlich equations with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9941-0.9982 than by first-order equations. The rate-controlling stage was suggested to be mainly the surface reaction mechanism.

3rd International Conference on Computational and Experimental Science and Engineering (ICCESEN) -- OCT 19-24, 2016 -- Antalya, TURKEY, WOS: 000412881200047, Tungsten oxide (WO3) nanocrystalline powder was successfully synthesized by direct precipitation technique starting from sodium tungstate dehydrate (Na2WO4 center dot 2H(2)O) as precursor at 80 degrees C for 48 h. The morphological characteristics, distribution, and crystallite size of WO3 nanocrystalline powder were analysed by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. According to transmission electron microscopy results, the mean particle size of WO3 nanocrystalline powder was approximately determined as 41.7 nm. The gas sensing performance of WO3 nanocrystalline powder for saturated toluene vapor was measured by two probe resistivity unit in a closed vessel at room temperature. In addition, WO3 nanocrystalline powder was able to respond the lowest concentration of 500 ppm. The results showed that the sample exhibited high sensitivity (93%) and good response reproducibility (0.93 + 5.5%) for toluene vapor., Cumhuriyet University Scientific Research Project (CUBAP) [M590], This work was supported by Cumhuriyet University Scientific Research Project (CUBAP), project numbered as M590.

16th International Symposium on Environmental Issues and Waste Management in Energy and Mineral Production (SWEMP) / International Symposium on Computer Applications (CAMI) -- OCT 05-07, 2016 -- Istanbul, TURKEY, WOS: 000391287200032, In this study, it was examined how temperature, pH and concentration from parameters influencing the adsorption process affects the binary adsorption process. We found optimum pH values as 5 for adsorption of copper and nickel on zeolite. The effect of initial concentration and ambient temperature on the yield of adsorption was examined at this pH value. The equilibrium adsorption data of Cu(II) and Ni(II) onto Zeolite were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, and the experimental data for the adsorption of both the metal ions fitted well with all the isotherm models. In single and binary sorption experiments, observed considerable difference is the metal uptake rate on adsorbent. According to the single sorption studies, the reason for low rate of metal uptake in the binary adsorption studies is the existence of competing metal ions. Thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy change and enthalpy change were calculated, and the equilibrium data showed that the intake of Cu(II) into Zeolite was possible, spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The calculated activation energy of adsorption and Gibbs free energy change showed that the adsorption of Cu(II) and Ni(II) onto Zeolite involves not only a chemical adsorption process, but also a physical adsorption process., Istanbul Univ, AGRO AGRE, Univ Laval, CineR, TENCATE, Mining Turkey, S African Inst Mining & Metallurgy, MEi, Turkish Airlines

WOS: 000377012900009, In the present study, the effects of temperature (15, 25, 35 degrees C), gum concentration (1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 %) and gum ratio (25:75, 50:50, 75:25) on the creep-recovery rheological properties of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-guar gum (GG) mixtures were investigated. Within the studied range of experimental design, recovery index (Delta J) value of CMC-GG gum solution was analyzed based on the design factors. Experimental recovery index responses were modelled using RSM (R-2=0.9711) and ANN (R-2=0.9829).

WOS: 000250937000017, The enantioselective hydrolysis of racemic naproxen methyl ester by Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) was studied in aqueous buffer solution/isooctane reaction system in the presence of supercritical CO2. The effects pressure (75-160 bar), temperature (32-42 degrees C ) and reaction time (0.5-12 h) on the enantiomeric excesses of the product (ee(p)) and the substrate (ee(s)), enantiomeric ratio (E), conversion (x) and enzyme activity were investigated in a batch reactor system. The highest enantiomeric ratio achieved at 120 bar of pressure, 37 C of temperature and 2 h of reaction time was E= 193 with x=41.3%, ee(p)=97.9% and ee(s)=68.8%. CRL remained active at least for 12h at 37 degrees C and 120 bar in supercritical CO2 medium. Furthermore. enantiomeric ratio increased with increasing reaction time and reached the value of E=236 with ee(p) =98.2%, ee(s) =70.0% and x=41.6% after 12 h of hydrolysis. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

WOS: 000249494700014, PubMed ID: 17141939, For a pilot-scale application, pH control in the treatment of highly contaminated dye industrial wastewater containing metallic compounds as the main pollutants has been investigated with a method using adaptive heuristic criticism control (AHCC). Subsequent experimentation on between 12 and 181 of the wastewater was carried out using statistical experimental design methodology to evaluate the effects of three critical factors: slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)(2)) concentration, iron chloride (FeCl3) concentration and wastewater volume. With these critical factors, the wastewater treatment process is modeled as an appropriate quadratic cost function of the turbidity of the clarified water. The model is optimized with Rosenbrock's method. Response surface topology of the wastewater treatment is given in terms of optimal concentrations of lime water and FeCl3 and optimal wastewater volume at pH 11. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

WOS: 000247150200011, PubMed ID: 17696016, The present study was carried out in a batch system using a lichen (Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf) for the sorption of nickel(II) and copper(II) ions from water. Particularly, the effect of pH, contact time and temperature were considered. Pseudevernia furfuracea exhibited nickel(II) and copper(II) uptake of 49.87.and 60.83 mg/g at an initial pH of 4 and 5-6 at 35 degrees C respectively. Both the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models were suitable for describing the biosorption of nickel(II) and copper(II) by the biosorbent. Biosorption showed pseudo first order rate kinetics for nickel and copper ions. Using the equilibrium constant values obtained at 25 and 35 T, the thermodynamics properties of the biosorption (Delta G degrees, Delta H degrees and Delta S degrees) were determined. The biosorption of nickel(II) and copper(II) onto Pseudevermajurfuracea was found to be endothermic.

WOS: 000242642500002, Supercritical fluid desorption has been carried out in a fixed bed column to desorp nitrophenolic compounds from organically modified bentonite. The experiments were carried out in the sequence of synthesis of organobentonite (HDTMA-B) and then adsorption of phenolic compounds to organobentonite in aqueous solutions, desorption of phenolic compounds from organobentonite using supercritical fluids (SCFs) and adsorption of nitrophenols to regenerated organobentonite. The desorption parameters such as pressure (20-40 MPa), temperature (40-100 degrees C) and co-solvent concentration (2.5-20 vol.%) were investigated at 2 ml/min flow rate. While the desorption yield of o-nitrophenol (oNP) was 93 wt.% using supercritical CO2 (SC CO2) by operating at 20 MPa, 40 degrees C, 2 ml CO2/min in 2 h of desorption, the desorption yields of M-nitrophenol (mNP) and p-nitrophenol (pNP) reached up to 71.8 wt.% (at 20 MPa, 60 degrees C using 7.5 vol.% ethanol) and 50 wt.% (at 40 MPa, 60 degrees C, 10 vol.% ethanol), respectively. In addition, the results showed that the regenerated HDTMA-bentonite toward nitrophenols exhibited changing adsorption capacity after several regeneration cycles. It was therefore concluded that exhausted/used organobentonites might be regenerated via processes involving supercritical fluid extraction. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

International audience; We report the results from an operando XRD-CT study of a working catalytic membrane reactor for the oxidative coupling of methane. These results reveal the importance of the evolving solid state chemistry during catalytic reaction, particularly the chemical interaction between the catalyst and the oxygen transport membrane

WOS: 000241170800005, The generalized delta rule (GDR) algorithm with generalized predictive control (GPC) control was implemented experimentally to track the temperature on a set point in a batch, jacketed polymerization reactor. An equation for optimal temperature was obtained by using co-state Hamiltonian and model equations. To track the calculated optimal temperature profiles, controller used should act smoothly and precisely as much as possible. Experimental application was achieved to obtain the desired comparison. In the design of this control system, the reactor filled with styrene-toluene mixture is considered as a heat exchanger. When the reactor is heated by means of an immersed heater, cooling water is passed through the reactor-cooling jacket. So the cooling water absorbs the heat given out by the heater. If this is taken into consideration, this reactor can be considered to be continuous in terms of energy. When such a mixing chamber was used as a polymer reactor with defined values of heat input and cooling flow rate, system can reach the steady-state condition. The heat released during the reaction was accepted as a disturbance for the heat exchanger. Heat input from the immersed heater is chosen as a manipulated variable. The neural network model based on the relation between the reactor temperature and heat input to the reactor is used. The performance results of GDR with GPC were compared with the results obtained by using nonlinear GPC with NARMAX model. The reactor temperature closely follows the optimal trajectory. And then molecular weight, experimental conversion and chain lengths are obtained for GDR with GPC. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

WOS: 000222938400007, In this study, MA-S-MMA, MA-S-VA and MA-S-AP terpolymers have been synthesized in methyl ethyl ketone from methyl methacrylate (MMA), vinyl acetate (VA), allyl propionate (AP), styrene (S), and maleic anhydride (MA) monomers according to free radical polymerization in the presence of 2, 2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator at 70degreesC for 1 hour. The characterization of terpolymers has been done with the characteristic peak observed in FTIR. The viscosymetric analysis of solutions of terpolymers has been used to obtain information about molar mass of terpolymers. For thermomechanic analysis of terpolymers, the stress-strain and penetration-temperature curves of film samples have been recorded. A change at glass transition (Tg) values has been observed according to MA-S-MMA

WOS: 000221000900004, The desorption of phenol from organically modified bentonite (ODTMA-bentonite) using supercritical fluids was studied. Parameters such as pressure, temperature, supercritical fluid flow rate and co-solvent (entrainer) concentration were investigated. The maximum desorption of phenol (ca. 98 w/w%) using supercritical CO2 (SC CO,) was obtained by operating at 500 bar, 353 K and 3.33 x 10(-8) m(3) SC CO2/s. In the presence of ethanol as a co-solvent (10 v/v%), the maximum desorption of phenol attained a value of 97 w/w% using supercritical CO, at low temperature (313 K) and pressure (300 bar) and a high supercritical fluid flow rate (3.33 x 10(-8) m(3) SC CO2/s). In addition, the results showed that the regenerated ODTMA-bentonite retained its adsorption power towards phenol even after several regeneration cycles. It was therefore concluded that exhausted/used organobentonites might be regenerated via processes involving supercritical fluid extraction.

WOS: 000181796100005, The plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of boron carbide was investigated on quartz glass and alumina substrates from a gas mixture of BCl3, H-2, and CH4 in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) medium produced by a radio frequency (RF) discharged onto the gases passing through a tubular reactor under atmospheric pressure. A thin solid boron carbide coating with a gray color was deposited on both substrates. The results of XRD revealed that the major solid phase formed in the coating material was beta-rhombohedral B4C. The SEM analysis showed that the surface homogeneity increased with an increase in the exposure time, and different boron carbide structures were formed at different RF powers and exposure times.

WOS: 000358665100022, Fuel cells have been attracting more and more attention in recent decades due to high-energy demands, fossil fuel depletions, and environmental pollution throughout world. In this study, we report the synthesis of metallic and bimetallic nanoparticle (AgNP, AuNP, and Ag@AuNP)-involved l-cysteine-functionalized reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (AgNPs/cis/rGO, AuNPs/cis/rGO, and Ag@Au/cis/rGO) and their applications as an electrocatalyst for methanol electro-oxidation. The nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Experimental results demonstrated that the prepared nanocomposites enhanced electrochemical efficiency for methanol electro-oxidation with regard to diffusion efficiency, oxidation potential, and forward oxidation peak current., Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) [113Z264]; TUBITAK, This work was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), with project number 113Z264. We would like to thank TUBITAK for the financial support.

WOS: 000087277000010, The separation from fermentation medium of extracellular serine alkaline protease (SAP) enzyme produced by Bacillus licheniformis was investigated using a crossflow ultrafiltration system. SAP was separated from the high molecular weight neutral protease (NP) and amylase (AMY) enzymes and from the low molecular weight organic acids and amino acids in a crossflow ultrafiltration system with 30000 Da and 10000 Da MWCO polysulfone membranes, respectively. The effects of transmembrane pressure (TMP), recirculation velocity (v), and initial enzyme concentration (CE) on the permeate flux, on the activities of SAP, NP and AMY enzymes, and on the recovery of SAP were investigated. High permeate flux was obtained at high recirculation velocity and TMP, but at low initial enzyme concentration. SAP enzyme recovery and activity measured in the system also showed alterations with hydrodynamic conditions. The best operation conditions for the separation of SAP from NP and AMY were TMP = 20 kPa, v = 0.50 ms(-1) and C-E = 0.2 gdm(-3). The separation of SAP from the organic and amino acids was best performed at TMP = 100 kPa, v = 0.33 ms(-1) and C-E = 0.40 gdm(-3). (C) 2000 Society of Chemical Industry.

WOS: 000079778000006, PubMed ID: 10230020, Extractive fermentation is a widely preferred technique in which the products of fermentation are removed from the fermentation medium by a proper solvent, in order to avoid the inhibitory effects of the products. In this work, decanol, which has a high distribution coefficient with respect to the biocompatible solvents, was used in extractive ethanol fermentation. In order to reduce decanol toxicity, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells were immobilized in calcium alginate gel. Further, sunflower oil and Al2O3 were added to the immobilization media. Experiments were performed in 250-mL Erlenmeyer flasks that were placed in the constant-temperature bath of a constant stirring-rate shaker. Ethanol concentrations were measured to observe the effect of various parameters on ethanol production. Immobilization media included 10, 20, and 30% sunflower oil, or 5, 10, and 20% Al2O3, or Al2O3 and sunflower oil together. The ratio of the volume of aqueous phase to that of decanol phase ranged from 2:1 to 6:1. It was observed that protection depends on the oil, Al2O3, and decanol amounts. Utilization of sunflower oil (30%) and Al2O3 (5%) together yielded best results.

Bacteria possess protein serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases which resemble eukaryal kinases in their capacity to phosphorylate multiple substrates. We hypothesized that the analogy might extend further, and bacterial kinases may also undergo mutual phosphorylation and activation, which is currently considered as a hallmark of eukaryal kinase networks. In order to test this hypothesis, we explored the capacity of all members of four different classes of serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases present in the firmicute model organism Bacillus subtilis to phosphorylate each other in vitro and interact with each other in vivo. The interactomics data suggested a high degree of connectivity among all types of kinases, while phosphorylation assays revealed equally wide-spread cross-phosphorylation events. Our findings suggest that the Hanks-type kinases PrkC, PrkD and YabT exhibit the highest capacity to phosphorylate other B. subtilis kinases, while the BY-kinase PtkA and the two- component-like kinases RsbW and SpoIIAB show the highest propensity to be phosphorylated by other kinases. Analysis of phosphorylated residues on several selected recipient kinases suggests that most cross-phosphorylation events concern key regulatory residues. Therefore, cross- phosphorylation events are very likely to influence the capacity of recipient kinases to phosphorylate substrates downstream in the signal transduction cascade. We therefore conclude that bacterial serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases probably engage in a network-type behavior previously described only in eukaryal cells.

WOS: 000330489400017, We evaluated supercritical water (SCW) for sulfur removal from Arabian Heavy (AH) whole crude oil and two model feeds: hexyl sulfide (HS) in hexadecane (HD) and dibenzothiophene (DBT) in HD. We measured SCW desulfurization performance in the absence and presence of ZnO, MoO3 and MoS2. No external hydrogen source, aside from water and oil itself, was added to the reaction mixture. SCW alone (without a catalyst) removes 6-7% of the sulfur present in AH, and addition of MoS2 improves the sulfur removal by a factor of 2 (to similar to 12%). For the HS-HD model feed, we found that HS conversion in SCW alone is high (similar to 85%) and is weakly affected by addition of catalysts. Hence, we infer that catalysts have minimal effect on the decomposition rates of aliphatic sulfide compounds. Addition of any of the three catalysts improved the decomposition of DBT in the HD model feed, with ZnO providing the strongest effect (from 3 to 25%). Furthermore, ZnO and MoO3 catalysts promoted total sulfur removal, indicating a reduction in the formation of secondary sulfur compounds in the presence of oxide catalysts. We characterized the bulk and surface properties of fresh and SCW-exposed catalysts for treatment of the HS-HD model system using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS). As anticipated, MoS2 remained unchanged during the SCW treatment, whereas MoO3 and ZnO underwent structural and morphological changes primarily related to sulfidation reactions. The results of this work help establish the role of catalysts in the SCW process; demonstrate that modest desulfurization can be achieved in the absence of an external hydrogen source; and provide guidelines for catalyst selection. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., Saudi Aramco [6600023444]; TUBITAK, We thank Saudi Aramco for financial support of this study (contract number 6600023444) and the Saudi Aramco SCW team for technical advice during execution of the study. Ayten Ates received fellowship support from TUBITAK. Pushkaraj Patwardhan (now at BASF) provided expertise for performing many of the characterization tests and graciously shared his results for SARA analysis of the AH using methods developed by Ali Al-Somali. Jefferson Tester (Cornell University) provided guidance during the early stages of this project.

To access publisher's full text version of this article click on the hyperlink at the bottom of the page Multiple models of human metabolism have been reconstructed, but each represents only a subset of our knowledge. Here we describe Recon 2, a community-driven, consensus 'metabolic reconstruction', which is the most comprehensive representation of human metabolism that is applicable to computational modeling. Compared with its predecessors, the reconstruction has improved topological and functional features, including ∼2× more reactions and ∼1.7× more unique metabolites. Using Recon 2 we predicted changes in metabolite biomarkers for 49 inborn errors of metabolism with 77% accuracy when compared to experimental data. Mapping metabolomic data and drug information onto Recon 2 demonstrates its potential for integrating and analyzing diverse data types. Using protein expression data, we automatically generated a compendium of 65 cell type-specific models, providing a basis for manual curation or investigation of cell-specific metabolic properties. Recon 2 will facilitate many future biomedical studies and is freely available at http://humanmetabolism.org/. Rannis research grant 100406022 Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council BB/C008219/1 European Union 201142 Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation BBSRC BB/F005938 BB/F00561X German Federal Ministry for Education and Research within the Virtual Liver Network 0315756 0315741 US National Institutes of Health GM088244 National Science Foundation 0643548 Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation 1060 National Cancer Institute Science and Technology Facilities Council US National Institute of General Medical Sciences R01GM070923 R01GM080219 BioRange programme of The Netherlands Bioinformatics Centre under a Besluit Subsidies Investeringen Kennisinfrastructuur grant through The Netherlands Genomics Initiative SP1.2.4 info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/FP7/232816 info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/FP7/249261

The addition of oxygen is a common practice during winemaking to improve fermentation kinetics. However, an important limitation of standard oxygenation systems is that it is difficult to determine the exact quantity of oxygen transferred to wine or must. Tools enabling precise and reproducible oxygen addition would be useful. We developed and validated a bubble-free oxygenation system, at laboratory and pilot scale. In this system, oxygen is added by diffusion through a silicone membrane tube. We evaluated the effects of various parameters on the maximum oxygen transfer rate (OTRm). For fixed characteristics of the silicone tube and the partial pressure, the effects of dissolved CO2 and medium composition were negligible; parameters with the biggest influence on the OTRm were the liquid flow rate and the temperature. These data were used to construct a mathematical model that calculates the OTR as a function of the operating parameters. This phenomenological model allows comprehensive description of physical parameters influencing the OTRm. The model's predictions were very accurate both for the validation experiments in synthetic media and in real fermentation conditions. This work makes a step toward innovative strategies for oxygen management during alcoholic fermentation. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

WOS: 000304820400006, The developing steady flow of Oldroyd-B and Phan-Thien-Tanner (PTT) fluids through a two-dimensional rectangular channel is investigated computationally by means of a finite volume technique incorporating uniform collocated grids. A second-order central difference scheme is employed to handle convective terms in the momentum equation, while viscoelastic stresses are approximated by a third-order accurate quadratic upstream interpolation for convective kinematics (QUICK) scheme. Momentum interpolation method (MIM) is used to evaluate both cell face velocities and coefficients appearing in the stress equations. Coupled mass and momentum conservation equations are then solved through an iterative semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equation (SIMPLE) algorithm. The entry length over which flow becomes fully developed is determined by considering gradients of velocity, normal and shear stress components, and pressure in the axial direction. The effects of the mesh refinement, inlet boundary conditions, constitutive equation parameters, and Reynolds number on the entry length are presented. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4006696], Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey [109M012], The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey through the research project 109M012.

WOS: 000209805600542, …

WOS: 000296401300008, PubMed ID: 21962434, In this study, click chemistry was proposed as a tool for tuning the surface hydrophilicity of monodisperse-macroporous particles in micron-size range. The monodisperse-porous particles carrying hydrophobic or hydrophilic molecular brushes on their surfaces were obtained by the proposed modification. Hydrophilic poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate), poly(GMA-co-EDM) particles were hydrophobized by the covalent attachment of poly(octadecyl acrylate-co-propargyl acrylate), poly(ODA-co-PA) copolymer onto the particle surface via triazole formation by click chemistry. In the second part, Hydrophobic poly(4-chloromethylstyrene-co-divinylbenzene), poly(CMS-co-DVB) particles were hydrophilized by the covalent attachment of poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA onto their surface also via triazole formation by click chemistry. The presence of PVA and poly(ODA-co-PA) copolymer on the corresponding particles was shown by FTIR-DRS. After click-coupling reactions applied for both hydrophobic poly(CMS-co-DVB) and hydrophilic poly(GMA-co-EDM) particles, the marked changes in surface polarity were shown by contact angle measurements. Protein adsorption characteristics of plain and modified particles were investigated for both materials. In the isoelectric point of albumin, the non-specific albumin adsorption decreased from 225 to 80 mg/g by grafting PVA onto the poly(CMS-co-DVB) beads. On the other hand, the non-specific albumin adsorption onto the plain poly(GMA-co-EDM) beads increased from 50 to 400 mg/g by the covalent attachment of poly(ODA-co-PA) copolymer onto the bead-surface via click chemistry. The protein adsorption behavior was efficiently regulated by the covalent attachment of appropriate molecular brushes onto the surfaces of selected particles. The results indicated that "click chemistry" was an efficient tool for controlling the polarity of monodisperse-macroporous particles. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

5th International Conference on Integrated Modeling and Analysis in Applied Control and Automation (IMAACA 2011) -- SEP 12-14, 2011 -- Rome, ITALY, WOS: 000393091500022, In the present work, at the previously determined optimal conditions, to control batch polymerization reactor, Linear Generalized Predictive Control (LGPC) and Nonlinear Generalized Predictive Control (NLGPC) algorithm were utilized. Several system models were applied to the control algorithms. The effect of different optimal. conditions has been examined on monomer conversion, average viscosity molecular weight and chain length. At the same operating conditions of LGPC and NLGPC temperature control was used for comparison: According to the experimental results, the performance of NLGPC was obtained well than LGPC control method. In addition, the results denoted that the NLGPC control performances depend on different models and the optimum conditions., DIPTEM, Univ Genoa, Liophant Simulat, Simulat Team, Int mediterranean & Latin Amer Council Simulat, Univ Calabria, Mech Dept, Model & Simulat Ctr, La b Enterprise Solut, Model & Simulat Ctr Excellence, Riga Tech Univ, Latvian Ctr, LOGISM, Lab Sci Informat & Syst, Univ Perugia, LAMCE COPPE UFRJ, Brasilian Ctr, McLeod Inst Simulat Sci, McLeod Model & Simulat, Latvian Simulat Soc, Ecole Superieure Ingn Sci Appliquees, Fac Ciencias Exacts, Ingn Agrimensura, Univ Laguna, CIFASIS CONICET UNR UPCAM, Inst Syst & Technol Informat Control & Commun

WOS: 000286782600101, PubMed ID: 21071146, Experiments were conducted on the adsorption characteristics of o-, m- and p-nitrophenols by organically modified bentonites at different temperatures. Two organobentonites (HDTMA-B and PEG-B) were synthesized using hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMABr) and poly(ethylene glycol) butyl ether (PEG). Synthesized HDTMA-B and PEG-B were characterized by XRD, FTIR and DTA-TG analyses and their specific surface area, particle size and pore size distributions were determined. BET surface areas and basal spacings (d(001)) of the HDTMA-B and PEG-B were found to be 38.71 m(2) g(-1), 69.04 m(2) g(-1) and 21.96 angstrom, 15.17 angstrom, respectively. Increased adsorption with temperature indicates that the process is endothermic for o-nitrophenol. On the other hand m- and p-nitrophenols exhibited lower rates of adsorption at higher temperatures suggesting a regular exothermic process taking place. Results were analyzed according to the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Redushkevich (D-R) isotherm equations using linearized correlation coefficient at different temperatures. R-L separation factors for Langmuir and the n values for Freundlich isotherms showed that m- and p-nitrophenols are favorably adsorbed by HDTMA-B and, p-nitrophenol is favored by PEG-B. Adsorption of o-, m- and p-nitrophenols as single components or from their binary mixtures on HDTMA-B and, p-nitrophenol on PEG-B are all defined to be physical in nature. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., Ankara University [BAP.2002.0745011], The authors gratefully acknowledge the funding for this work by Ankara University Scientific Research Projects (Project no: BAP.2002.0745011).

WOS: 000288187800004, Lipases (triacylglycerol hydrolases) are hydrolytic enzymes that can catalyze the hydrolysis of the ester bond of long-chain acylglycerols at the oil-water interface. The present study investigated the effects of inducers, surface-active materials, activators, and inhibitors in the fermentation medium on lipase activity in Rhizopus delemar. In the presence of certain commercial oils and tributyrin as an inducer, lipase activity decreased in the order of sunflower oil > soybean oil > hazelnut oil > corn oil > tributyrin > olive oil. In addition, the effects of the stirring and aeration rates on lipase activity were investigated. To investigate the effect of surface-active materials on lipase activity 2 different surface-active materials, Tween-80 and rhamnolipid (biosurfactant), were used as comparatives with tributyrin. Maximum lipase activity was observed in the fermentation medium containing Tween-80 as both an inducer and surface-active material. The combined effects of molasses and sucrose on lipase production by R. delemar were also investigated. Lipase activity in the presence of activators decreased in the order of NaCl > KCl > CaCl(2) > MgCl(2) > gum arabic > EDTA, and maximum lipase activity of 964.55 U/L was obtained. The presence of heavy metal ions in the fermentation media severely inhibited lipase activity. Lipase activity in the presence of heavy metal ions decreased in the order of Fe(2+) > Mn(2+) > Co(2+) > Ni(2+)., TUBITAK (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) [MISAG-282], The authors wish to thank TUBITAK (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) for partial financial support of this study (project no: MISAG-282). We also wish to thank Jeneil Biosurfactant Co. (Saukville, WI, USA) for supplying the rhamnolipid biosurfactant.

Background Metabolic reconstructions (MRs) are common denominators in systems biology and represent biochemical, genetic, and genomic (BiGG) knowledge-bases for target organisms by capturing currently available information in a consistent, structured manner. Salmonella enterica subspecies I serovar Typhimurium is a human pathogen, causes various diseases and its increasing antibiotic resistance poses a public health problem. Results Here, we describe a community-driven effort, in which more than 20 experts in S. Typhimurium biology and systems biology collaborated to reconcile and expand the S. Typhimurium BiGG knowledge-base. The consensus MR was obtained starting from two independently developed MRs for S. Typhimurium. Key results of this reconstruction jamboree include i) development and implementation of a community-based workflow for MR annotation and reconciliation; ii) incorporation of thermodynamic information; and iii) use of the consensus MR to identify potential multi-target drug therapy approaches. Conclusion Taken together, with the growing number of parallel MRs a structured, community-driven approach will be necessary to maximize quality while increasing adoption of MRs in experimental design and interpretation.

WOS: 000276800900006, The production process of a 1,3-position specific lipase from Rhizopus delemar was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) and a Box-Behnken experimental design was used to study the interactive effects of fermentation medium components on lipase activity and microorganism growth. Preliminary batch tests were employed to obtain the favorable conditions for lipase activity analysis and found that sucrose, molasses, yeast extract, sunflower oil, tween-80 have significant influences on the lipase production and microorganism growth. The concentrations of five fermentation medium components were optimized. Among five variables, molasses sucrose and yeast extract were identified as less significant variables for lipase production. The optimum fermentation medium composition for lipase production by R. delemar was sucrose concentration 4.19 g/L, molasses sucrose 1.32 g/L, yeast extract 0.53 g/L, sunflower oil 1.11% (v/v), and tween-80 1.80% (v/v). In these conditions, the biomass concentration of 4.52 g/L with a lipolytic activity of 1585 mu mol/L min was reached. (C) 2009 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

WOS: 000271680700014, Hydrogels synthesized from a polysaccharide-based polymer, dextran, in the presence of two crosslinking agents, N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide and epichlorohydrin, were evaluated for the oral colon-specific delivery of polypeptide drugs. These novel dextran hydrogels had significantly greater swelling ratios than recently developed dextran hydrogels. A model protein, bovine serum albumin, was loaded into 50% (by weight) crosslinker-containing dextran hydrogels in two ways: during the crosslinking reaction and by a soaking method. The loading capacity was varied between 22 and 25 mg/g of dry gel, depending on the loading procedure. In vitro release experiments were performed with a simulated gastrointestinal system in the presence and absence of dextranase. The diffusion exponents were calculated by means of a semiempirical power-law equation for the release of protein from swellable hydrogel discs. Bovine serum albumin was mainly released by Fickian diffusion, and this indicated that its hydrodynamic diameter (7.7 nm) was smaller than the hydrogel mesh size (similar to 19 nm). The release of bovine serum albumin from both hydrogel types was substantially higher than expected, especially in the presence of dextranase, and this was attributed to the high swellability of the hydrogels. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 115: 740-747, 2010, Turkish Scientific and Research Council [MISAG-247], Contract grant sponsor: Turkish Scientific and Research Council; contract grant number: MISAG-247.

WOS: 000274605700011, In this work, extraction of sesame oil from sesame seeds using supercritical CO2 was carried out. The effect of operating parameters such as pressure, temperature, and supercritical CO2 flow rate and particle size on extraction yield were investigated. An increase in the pressure and the supercritical CO2 flow rate improved the extraction yield and also shortened the extraction time. The extraction yield increased as the particle size decreased depending on decreasing intraparticle diffusion resistance. The maximum extraction yield obtained was about 85% (relative to Soxhlet extraction by hexane) at 50 degrees C, 350 bar, 2 mL CO2/Min, 300-600 mu m of particle size. Some extraction curves were modeled with two mathematical approaches as shrinking core model and broken and intact core model. The evaluation of model parameters showed that shrinking core model, however, is better than broken and intact cell model. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved., Ankara University Scientific Research Fund [2005.07.45.033], The authors wish to thank Ankara University Scientific Research Fund (Project code: 2005.07.45.033) for their financial support.

WOS: 000257005900007, Flash pyrolysis experiments on asphaltite samples were performed in a free-fall reactor under vacuum to determine the effects of pyrolysis temperature, feed rate and particle size. Maximum liquid yield of 13 wt.% was obtained in free-fall reactor under vacuum when the pyrolysis temperature was 700 degrees C, feed rate was 0.4 g min(-1) and particle sizes were between 0.075 and 0.250 mm. The liquid products obtained at various pyrolysis conditions were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) and liquid products were classified as following: C5-C10, C11-C 15, C16-C20 and C20+. The amount of saturated hydrocarbons decreased while the amount of unsaturated hydrocarbons increased with increase of temperature. While percent of C5-C10 unsaturated hydrocarbons continuously increased with increase of temperature, the percent of C11-C 15 unsaturated hydrocarbons increased up to 750 degrees C and then started to diminish. Functional group analysis of solid residue was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR). The proximate analysis of solid residue indicated that percent of fixed carbon and ash increased with temperature. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

WOS: 000251685300017, The effects of Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Zn2+ ions on the activity and enantioselectivity of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) were investigated in a biphasic medium composed of phosphate buffer solution (containing a metal ion within a 50-500 mM concentration range) and isooctane. The hydrolytic activities of CRL towards p-nitrophenyl acetate were measured after incubation of the enzyme in the presence of metal ions for 24 h, and they were compared to that obtained after incubation in the absence of any metal ion. The CRL activity was stimulated by the chloride salts of Li+, K+ and Mg2+ for all concentrations considered and the highest enhancement was achieved by Li+ with a 1.24-1.75 fold increase observed. The effects of metal ions on the enantioselectivity of CRL were investigated by performing the hydrolysis of racemic Naproxen methyl ester in the same biphasic medium containing Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Zn2+ ions. The addition of metal ions increased the hydrolysis rate by ca. 1.31-1.45 fold relative to the control, whereas the enantiomeric excess of product increased slightly in the presence of the metal ions. The effect of Triton X-100 on the activity and enantioselectivity of the CRL was also investigated by employing 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mM concentrations of it in phosphate buffer solution of the biphasic medium. High concentrations of Triton X-100 stimulated the enzyme activity up to 1.66 fold after 24 h incubation. Triton X-100 increased the hydrolysis rate almost independently of the concentration.

WOS: 000239163300001, In this work, fuzzy-relational models-dynamics matrix control (Fuzzy-DMC) was applied to the free radical solution polymerization of styrene in a jacketted batch reactor and its performance was examined to reach the required monomer conversion, molecular weight and chain length in a minimum time. The reactor temperature was controlled by manipulating the heat-input to the reactor. The performance of the Fuzzy-DMC controller was compared with that of the nonlinear generalized predictive control (NLGPC). (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

WOS: 000241593700018, In this study, we have synthesized dextran hydrogels by the crosslinking reactions of dextran with some selective Cl-, and N-containing functional monomers, such as epichlorohydrin (ECH), N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAm), and glutaraldehyde (GA). Crosslinking reactions were carried out in the basic aqueous solutions (2.8N NaOH) at 25-50 degrees C. The optimum conditions for effective crosslinking, i.e., temperature, crosslinking time, and amount of crosslinker, were determined for each system. The hydrogel discs of 3 mm diameter and 1.5 mm thickness were subjected to a number of Tris-buffer solutions of desired pH (2.0-9.0) at 37 degrees C. Swelling kinetics of the hydrogels were evaluated with second-order swelling model. The pH-dependent swelling of hydrogels was strongly influenced by the functional group of crosslinker and crosslinker content. While the hydrogels prepared with ECH and MBAm shows higher swelling ability at basic medium than that of acidic medium, GA-containing hydrogels exhibited just the opposite behavior. Mesh sizes (xi) and average molecular weights between crosslinks (M-c) were estimated from swelling data using the Flory-Rehner theory. Characterization studies were completed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.