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The researches of road energy harvesting via piezoelectric ceramics have attracted extensive attentions due to the conversion of huge amount energy of road vibration into electrical energy. Compared to conventional piezoelectric ceramics, porous piezoelectric ceramics exhibit an increase in piezoelectric energy harvesting figure of merit. In this work, the effect of pore morphology on piezoelectric energy harvesting performance of porous barium calcium zirconate titanate ((Ba 0.85 Ca 0.15)(Zr 0.1 Ti 0.9)O 3 , BCZT) piezoelectric ceramics was investigated. Porous BCZT piezoelectric ceramics with different pore morphologies of 3-1, 2-2, and pseudo-3-3 type were prepared by freeze casting method using tertbutyl alcohol (TBA), water (H 2 O), and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) as the liquid media. The results demonstrated that the 3-1 type porous BCZT ceramics exhibited the maximum value of d 33 (∼ 413 pC/N), which was 3.8 times than the pseudo-3-3 type porous BCZT ceramics. The g 33 and FOM 33 of 2-2 type porous BCZT ceramics reached 51.1 × 10−3 V m/N and 15.5 pm2/N, respectively. This work provides a new liquid medium to fabricate porous ceramics and a approach to design the pore structure of porous piezoelectric ceramics and regulate the piezoelectric performances. This is beneficial for sensitivity and energy harvesting performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of thickening powders for the management of dysphagia is imperative due to the rapid growth of aging population and prevalence of the dysphagia. One promising thickening agent that can be used to formulate dysphagia diets is basil seed mucilage (BSM). This work investigates the effects of dispersing media, including water, milk, skim milk, and apple juice, on the rheological and tribological properties of the BSM‐thickened liquids. Shear rheology results revealed that the thickening ability of BSM in these media in ascending order is milk < skim milk ≈ apple juice < water. On the other hand, extensional rheology demonstrated that the longest filament breakup time was observed when BSM was dissolved in milk, followed by skim milk, water, and apple juice. Furthermore, tribological measurements showed varying lubrication behavior, depending on the BSM concentration and dispersing media. Dissolution of BSM in apple juice resulted in the most superior lubrication property compared with that in other dispersing media. Overall, this study provides insights on BSM's application as a novel gum‐based thickening powder in a range of beverages and emphasizes how important it is for consumers to have clear guidance for the use of BSM in dysphagia management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel laser processing technique in a liquid media to enhance the surface mechanical properties of a material, by thermal impact and micro-alloying at the subsurface level. An aqueous solution of nickel acetate (15% wt.) was used as liquid media for laser processing of C45E steel. A pulsed laser TRUMPH Truepulse 556 coupled to a PRECITEC 200 mm focal length optical system, manipulated by a robotic arm, was employed for the under-liquid micro-processing. The study's novelty lies in the diffusion of nickel in the C45E steel samples, resulting from the addition of nickel acetate to the liquid media. Micro-alloying and phase transformation were achieved up to a 30 µm depth from the surface. The laser micro-processed surface morphology was analysed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to determine the chemical composition and structural development, respectively. The microstructure refinement was observed, along with the development of nickel-rich compounds at the subsurface level, contributing to an improvement of the micro and nanoscale hardness and elastic modulus (230 GPa). The laser-treated surface exhibited an enhancement of microhardness from 250 to 660 HV0.03 and an improvement of more than 50% in corrosion rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beauveria bassiana is entomopathogenic fungi that can be cultivated on solid or liquid media. The cultivation of B. bassiana on cracked corn medium leaves unwanted waste. Therefore, cultivating B. bassiana on liquid media is expected to shorten the cultivation time and leave no waste. The purpose of the research was to analyze the physical characteristics of the B. bassiana colony, nutritional changes of the liquid media, and the pH level changes of the liquid media. This research used an experimental complete randomized design with six treatments and 4 times repetitions. The main phases of this research were the subculture of B. bassiana isolate; the preparation of liquid media consisting of distilled water, Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB), Potato Sugar extract (PSE), PSE+NPK 1%, PSE+coconut water, PSE+NPK 1%+coconut water each for 150 ml; B. bassisana inoculation into the liquid media; incubation process for 30 days; and measurement of fungal blastospore density, medium pH, and carbohydrate, protein, and lipid content. The results obtained from the morphological observation of B.bassiana on liquid media showed that the colonies are white, growing on the surface of the media with a powdery texture. There are some differences in the nutrient content of the media after 30 days of B. Bassiana incubation. After the incubation, there is an increase in carbohydrates and a decrease in protein and lipid content, as well as an increase in the pH level of the media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Successful generation of polypropylene (PP) nanoparticles ranging from 1.8 to 4911 nm using an fs laser system in various liquid media (water, dodecane, and hexadecane). • Identification of the main factors influencing particle sizes, including laser power-induced plasma intensity and suppression of plasma diffusion by liquid viscosity. • Investigation of the effects of air bubble adhesion on laser processing ability, revealing differences in surface morphologies inside and outside air bubbles. • Characterization of surface features such as filaments, pillars, and deposition layers formed during laser ablation, highlighting the role of plasma formation and heat effects. • Analysis of chemical compositions using nano-FTIR spectroscopy, revealing shifts in molecular resonance frequencies, and aiding in distinguishing nanoparticle areas from deposition layers. Preparation of polypropylene (PP) nano and microparticles, crucial for investigating the effects of plastics on both human health and the environment, presents a significant and immediate challenge. Utilizing an fs laser system in different liquid mediums such as water, dodecane, and hexadecane, we have successfully generated PP particles with sizes ranging from 1.8 to 4911 nm. This outcome is partly attributed to the constraint on plasma expansion caused by the viscosity of the liquid media. We investigated the areas of material removal and observed a transition from ordered to disordered removal patterns during this process. The formation of filaments and pillars within the material removal cavity, along with the deposition layer at the cavity edge, primarily occurred due to insufficient plasma formation at low laser energy levels. Furthermore, we observed neck-shaped filaments and nano cracks on the deposition surface, which were attributed to the heat effect during laser interaction with the PP substrate. Moreover, we collected distinct nano-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) signals from both the nanoparticle area and the deposition layer, revealing a 2 cm−1 wavenumber difference between the two regions. This discrepancy proved to be a valuable method for distinguishing between the nanoparticle area and the deposition layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Recently, the incidence of diseases caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been increasing worldwide, especially in immunocompromised patients and those with potential chronic lung disease. Vitek MS v3.0 matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as a rapid and reliable method for identifying mycobacteria in clinical laboratories. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of Vitek MS v3.0 by isolating NTM directly from automated liquid medium systems using patient samples. A total of 855 Mycobacterium growth indicator tube (MGIT)-positive liquid cultures were investigated. Among them, 658 (77.0%) liquid cultures were correctly identified to the species, group, or complex level, 192 (23.0%) resulted in no identification, and 5 (0.6%) were misidentified at the species level. DNA sequencing identified 855 NTM isolates from liquid cultures, comprising 316 isolates of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) and 539 isolates of slow-growing mycobacteria (SGM). Using the Vitek MS system, the RGM integral identification rate (276/316 [87.34%]) was higher than the SGM rate (381/539 [70.69%]) (P

This study reports the synthesis of Au-decorated MCM-41 mesoporous nanoparticles using a laser-ablation technique. It was observed that the number of Au attached to MCM-41 nanostructures was dependent on the amount of encapsulated Cationic surfactant (cetyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) volume. The chemical group of the prepared nanoparticles was analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy, where different absorption peaks corresponding to Au and MCM-41 were observed. The observed band region was ∼1090, 966, 801, 2918, and 1847 cm−1 for different samples, clearly confirming the successful preparation of MCM-41 with CTAB and Au-decorated MCM-41 nanoparticles using environmentally friendly laser-ablation approach. The surface morphology of the prepared nanoparticles were performed using TEM techniques. The TEM analysis of the MCM-41 specimen showed silica spheres with an average size of around 200 nm. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy was done to evaluate the chemical structure of the prepared nanoparticles. It was seen that the prepared Au NPs decorated the MCM-41 system facilitated strong Raman peaks of CTAB. In addition, eight distinct Raman peaks were observed in the presence of Au NPs. This new functionalized method using the laser-ablation approach for mesoporous nanoparticles will participate effectively in multiple applications, especially the encapsulated molecule sensing and detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is increasing nowadays due to their applications against phytopathogens. Temporary Immersion Systems (TIS) allow the micropropagation of plants in liquid media. This work aims to develop an effective protocol for apricot micropropagation in TIS and to study the necessary conditions to introduce AgNPs in apricot plants, as well as the effect of its application on proliferation-related parameters. AgNPs were introduced in different media at a concentration of 100 mg L−1 to test the incorporation of silver to plant tissues. Silver content analysis was made by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The effect of initial shoot density and the addition of AgNPs on micropropagation were evaluated after four weeks in culture on TIS. Productivity, proliferation, shoot-length and leave surface were measured. The better micropropagation rate was obtained with 40 initial shoots, 2 min of immersion every 6 h and 3 min of aeration every 3 h. To introduce AgNPs in apricot plants it is necessary to culture them in liquid media without chloride in its composition. These results will contribute to the development of an in vitro protocol for virus inhibition by AgNPs application. This depends on the introduction of Ag nanoparticles within the plant tissues, and this is not possible if AgNPs after interaction with Cl- ions precipitate as silver chloride salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic emission (AE) detection through a liquid medium is a simple and effective method that can be widely applied to AE diagnosis for rotating machinery. As AE diagnosis is performed by correlating the signal intensity with the failure level and the frequency characteristics with the failure type, it is important to clarify the propagation characteristics of AE waves in liquid media to enable accurate AE diagnosis using a simpler system that utilizes AE propagation in a liquid medium. Therefore, in this study, systematic experiments were conducted focusing on the liquid medium type and the propagation distance as factors affecting the propagation characteristics of AE waves. As the area where AE waves propagate, we mainly focused on the near-field, where AE waves do not spread and are not attenuated with the propagation distance. First, we investigated the propagation and attenuation characteristics of AE waves in the near-field using an artificial AE source in liquid media such as purified water, cutting fluid solution, and lubricating oil. Differences in attenuation characteristics with the liquid medium were observed. Moreover, the propagation distance affected the attenuation characteristics, i.e., the signal intensity decreased with increasing propagation distance in a manner depending on the viscosity of the liquid medium, especially in the frequency bandwidth range from 1.5 to 3.0 MHz. Second, we theoretically verified some of the experimental results from the viewpoint of ultrasonic propagation in a liquid medium. As a result, the observed differences in attenuation characteristics with liquid medium were explained by the acoustic impedances of the liquid media, and the attenuation of the signal intensity of AE waves with increasing propagation distance was caused by the increasing absorption coefficient with increasing viscosity of the liquid medium. • Evaluation of propagation characteristics of acoustic emission waves propagating in liquid media. • Propagation distance and liquid medium type affect propagation characteristics. • Viscosity of the liquid medium affect the signal intensity of acoustic emission waves above 1.5 MHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As hydrogen continues to become rather promising for the generation of clean and sustainable energy, effective and low‐cost sensors are progressively necessary to ensure safety and efficiency of H‐based energy generation processes. Although a wide variety of hydrogen sensors for the gas phase is available, there is still a lack of devices to detect, measure, and track dissolved hydrogen. Determining its concentration is environmentally, economically, and phenomenologically relevant for applications such as offshore transport pipelines, anaerobic generation reactors, and even in electrical transformers. Herein, the technologies for sensing hydrogen dissolved in liquid media are compiled and reviewed, providing a debrief on their operation mechanisms, applications, and features, as well as an outlook of the field to be explored with new functional materials for devices applied on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass production of Metarhizium anisopliae on different locally available solid substrates viz., pearl millet, maize, sweet corn, cowpea, rice bran, wheat bran, press mud + yeast extract (1%) and bagasse + yeast extract (1%) and Pulses viz., green gram, red gram, chick pea and cowpea and liquid media viz., sabouraud’s dextrose broth, potato dextrose broth, sabouraud’s maltose broth, sabouraud’s sucrose broth and sabouraud’s glucose broth was taken up. Significantly highest number of CFU were recorded in green gram, 94.00, 91.00 and 97.00 CFU per ml with 13.24 × 108, 16.42 × 108 and 15.56 × 108 conidia per ml in 3 promising strains, UASRBC-Ma2, UASRBC-Ma31 and ICARNBAIRMa4, respectively followed by wheat bran, 78.00, 73.00 and 93.33 CFU per ml with 22.00 × 108, 26.23 × 108 and 24 × 108 conidia per ml and maximum dry mycelia recorded in Sabouraud’s maltose yeast broth, 127.33 mg, 219.67 mg, 325.67 mg and 386.00 mg per 100 ml of liquid broth on 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th days after inoculation. The present study revealed that solid substrates namely green gram, rice and wheat bran and liquid media, sabouraud’s maltose broth provide a simplest productive medium for mass production of Metarhizium anisopliae spores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel laser processing technique in a liquid media to enhance the surface mechanical properties of a material, by thermal impact and micro-alloying at the subsurface level. An aqueous solution of nickel acetate (15% wt.) was used as liquid media for laser processing of C45E steel. A pulsed laser TRUMPH Truepulse 556 coupled to a PRECITEC 200 mm focal length optical system, manipulated by a robotic arm, was employed for the under-liquid micro-processing. The study’s novelty lies in the diffusion of nickel in the C45E steel samples, resulting from the addition of nickel acetate to the liquid media. Micro-alloying and phase transformation were achieved up to a 30 µm depth from the surface. The laser micro-processed surface morphology was analysed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to determine the chemical composition and structural development, respectively. The microstructure refinement was observed, along with the development of nickel-rich compounds at the subsurface level, contributing to an improvement of the micro and nanoscale hardness and elastic modulus (230 GPa). The laser-treated surface exhibited an enhancement of microhardness from 250 to 660 HV0.03 and an improvement of more than 50% in corrosion rate.

The purpose of this work was to determine the secondary metabolites generated by O. basilicum cell suspensions, as well as their insecticide and inhibitory activity against R. ferrugineus. The growth kinetics with inoculation Verticillium dahliae were determined and identified using LC-MS. Determination of total phenolic components (TFC), flavonoids (TF), and condensed tannins (TCT) were measured. Insecticidal activity of O. basilicum extract against R. ferrugineus (larva and adult) and proteolytic enzymes activity were assessed (in vitro and in vivo). The O.basilicum extract had an LC50 of 1238 µg/mL and an LD50 of 13.4 µg/larva. The LC50 of chicoric acid, ursolic acid, salvigenin, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, rosmarinyl glucoside, and nepetoidin B demonstrated activity at an LC50 of 1132, 1167, 1189, 1214, 1275, and 1317 µg/mL, respectively. Chicoric acid, salvigenin, nepetoidin B, and rosmarinic acid demonstrated an LD50 activity of 10.23, 11.4, 11.9, and 12.4 µg/larva, respectively. The active extract of O. basilicum inhibited total protease, trypsin-like serine proteinases, elastase, cysteine, and metalloprotease activity with an IC50 (in vitro) of 119.4, 91, 102.4, 76.4, and 52.4 µg/mL, respectively. In silico studies of compounds were conducted, such as molecular docking and ADMET analysis. The study proposes using an efficient cell suspension technique to produce O. basilicum extract containing active secondary metabolites and accessible using as bio-insecticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the synthesis of Au-decorated MCM-41 mesoporous nanoparticles using a laser-ablation technique. It was observed that the number of Au attached to MCM-41 nanostructures was dependent on the amount of encapsulated Cationic surfactant (cetyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) volume. The chemical group of the prepared nanoparticles was analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy, where different absorption peaks corresponding to Au and MCM-41 were observed. The observed band region was ∼1090, 966, 801, 2918, and 1847 cm−1 for different samples, clearly confirming the successful preparation of MCM-41 with CTAB and Au-decorated MCM-41 nanoparticles using environmentally friendly laser-ablation approach. The surface morphology of the prepared nanoparticles were performed using TEM techniques. The TEM analysis of the MCM-41 specimen showed silica spheres with an average size of around 200 nm. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy was done to evaluate the chemical structure of the prepared nanoparticles. It was seen that the prepared Au NPs decorated the MCM-41 system facilitated strong Raman peaks of CTAB. In addition, eight distinct Raman peaks were observed in the presence of Au NPs. This new functionalized method using the laser-ablation approach for mesoporous nanoparticles will participate effectively in multiple applications, especially the encapsulated molecule sensing and detection.

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is increasing nowadays due to their applications against phytopathogens. Temporary Immersion Systems (TIS) allow the micropropagation of plants in liquid media. This work aims to develop an effective protocol for apricot micropropagation in TIS and to study the necessary conditions to introduce AgNPs in apricot plants, as well as the effect of its application on proliferation-related parameters. AgNPs were introduced in different media at a concentration of 100 mg L−1 to test the incorporation of silver to plant tissues. Silver content analysis was made by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The effect of initial shoot density and the addition of AgNPs on micropropagation were evaluated after four weeks in culture on TIS. Productivity, proliferation, shoot-length and leave surface were measured. The better micropropagation rate was obtained with 40 initial shoots, 2 min of immersion every 6 h and 3 min of aeration every 3 h. To introduce AgNPs in apricot plants it is necessary to culture them in liquid media without chloride in its composition. These results will contribute to the development of an in vitro protocol for virus inhibition by AgNPs application. This depends on the introduction of Ag nanoparticles within the plant tissues, and this is not possible if AgNPs after interaction with Cl- ions precipitate as silver chloride salts.

A facile method for regeneration of fig (Ficus carica L.) is in demand given the inability of the varieties having persistent type fruiting habit to produce viable seeds for germination, whereas asexual propagation features certain limitations. This article reports factor affecting in vitro regeneration of three fig cultivars, Masui Dauphine, Orphan, and A134. Ammonium nitrate, calcium chloride, sugar concentration in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, explants genotype, culture system (liquid or solid media), and light intensity of culture room affect regeneration. Half-calcium-modified MS (HCMS) liquid medium with 1 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 0.1 mg/l naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 0.02 mg/l gibberellic acid (GA3) responded well for shoot induction and proliferation. In average, 18 harvestable shoots were observed per-explant of Orphan cultivar. For elongation, HCMS liquid medium with 0.6 mg/l BAP, 0.1 mg/l NAA, and 0.1 mg/l GA3 performed well among the studied media combinations. Hormone-free regular MS liquid medium produced the highest percentage of rooted explants for all cultivars. Root induction reached 85% for Orphan. In vitro rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized on soil. Inter simple sequence repeat marker based study for somaclonal variation detection showed genetic uniformity of regenerated and donor plants. This regeneration method may be useful for large-scale production of identical plantlets and genetic transformation studies to further improve fig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric materials are an integral part of the modern world, as they find wide-ranging applications in various advanced domains such as telecommunications, automotive, electronics, and aerospace. Recently, these materials gained interest also for applications in liquid environments across diverse fields, including biomedical engineering, purification systems, electrocatalysis, fluid characterizations and micro/nano electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS). Despite their growing importance, many questions remain unanswered regarding their characterization and the evaluation of their performance in liquid media. It is critical to understand how these materials interact with surrounding ionic species under mechanical stress application. To address these questions, a novel experimental setup has been designed to characterize piezoelectric materials through electrokinetic measurements in a liquid environment. A polarized piezoelectric sample (lead zirconate titanate) is subjected to a mechanical stress, which is known to influence the piezoelectric surface charge state. This change in surface charge state can be monitored through measurement of the streaming potential. The results indicate that there is a strong correlation between the applied mechanical stress and the electrokinetic response of the piezoelectric sample. When the sample is subjected to a dynamic stress variation, its electrokinetic response closely follows the profile of the applied stress. In addition, the stress applied to the piezoelectric sample directly impacts the flow cell's resistance. A non-piezoelectric material (alumina) is also subjected to similar stress conditions. Both electrokinetics and resistance of the flow cell remain almost unchanged for the non-piezoelectric alumina sample during the stress application. Finite element modeling is employed to model variation of surface charge on the piezoelectric sample due to stress application. The piezoelectric model is then coupled with electrokinetic and resistance models to explore the effect of stress on the electrical responses of the system. The modeling results exhibit high degree of consistency with the experimental observations. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work was to determine the secondary metabolites generated by O. basilicum cell suspensions, as well as their insecticide and inhibitory activity against R. ferrugineus. The growth kinetics with inoculation Verticillium dahliae were determined and identified using LC-MS. Determination of total phenolic components (TFC), flavonoids (TF), and condensed tannins (TCT) were measured. Insecticidal activity of O. basilicum extract against R. ferrugineus (larva and adult) and proteolytic enzymes activity were assessed (in vitro and in vivo). The O.basilicum extract had an LC50 of 1238 µg/mL and an LD50 of 13.4 µg/larva. The LC50 of chicoric acid, ursolic acid, salvigenin, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, rosmarinyl glucoside, and nepetoidin B demonstrated activity at an LC50 of 1132, 1167, 1189, 1214, 1275, and 1317 µg/mL, respectively. Chicoric acid, salvigenin, nepetoidin B, and rosmarinic acid demonstrated an LD50 activity of 10.23, 11.4, 11.9, and 12.4 µg/larva, respectively. The active extract of O. basilicum inhibited total protease, trypsin-like serine proteinases, elastase, cysteine, and metalloprotease activity with an IC50 (in vitro) of 119.4, 91, 102.4, 76.4, and 52.4 µg/mL, respectively. In silico studies of compounds were conducted, such as molecular docking and ADMET analysis. The study proposes using an efficient cell suspension technique to produce O. basilicum extract containing active secondary metabolites and accessible using as bio-insecticide.

There are many production methods for graphene production. One of the most successful production methods in terms of scale-up is liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) method. In this study, after optimizing the sonication time and sonication power that are effective in the production to increase the efficiency of the LPE method, the experiments were continued at moderate sonication powers and the effect of liquid media, another important parameter, was examined. In this study, hexagonal graphite powders were subjected to direct liquid phase exfoliation process by using different liquid media (N -Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP), N , N -Dimethylformamide (DMF), ethanol, 2-propanol, acetone, methanesulfonic acid, ethanol + Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), 2-propanol + SDS) and the obtained samples were characterized. As a result of the characterization, the liquid media with the highest efficiency was determined to be NMP. Besides, it was observed that a new hybrid solvent obtained by adding a surfactant such as SDS into low-cost and environmentally friendly liquid media such as ethanol and 2-propanol showed a higher efficiency than NMP. It was observed that 3–5 layer graphene ranged between 15 and 19 wt% in either graphene produced by using hybrid solvents containing NMP or SDS. The amount of double or single-layer graphene was negligibly small. The production with the lowest efficiency was observed in the use of acetone. The produced graphenes were dispersed in the liquid and their sedimentation time was observed. The sedimentation time of graphenes, produced using NMP and SDS-doped hybrid solvents, in liquid was more than 120 days. The sedimentation time of graphene produced using acetone was less than 20 days. In the use of graphene as a reinforcing material or adsorbent, large amounts of graphene are needed. In such applications, mass production of graphene is important rather than the number or quality of sheets of graphene. Therefore, optimization of production parameters of LPE method, which is suitable for mass production, is significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Henan University of Technology Natural Science Edition is the property of Henan University of Technology Journal Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In order to clarify the degradation activity of edible fungus liquid culture on pesticide pollutants, the degradation dynamics of four pesticides including dimethoate, acetamiprid, lambdacyhalothrin and carbendazim in the liquid medium where Pleurotus ostreatus mycelia were cultured were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-PDA). The results showed that the degradation dynamics of four pesticides in the liquid medium of mycelia followed the first-order kinetic model. And the degradation half-lives of lambda-cyhalothrin, carbendazim, dimethoate, and acetamiprid were 2.93, 4.38, 11.83 and 14.01 d, respectively. The degradation rate ranked from high to low as lambdacyhalothrin > carbendazim > dimethoate > acetamiprid. After the liquid media was sterilized, the laccase activity in the culture medium disappeared, and the degradation rates of pesticides decreased accordingly. At 1 h and 4 h, the higher the concentration of crude enzyme solution, the greater the degradation rate of pesticides. The degradation rates of four pesticides had positive correlation with laccase activities in liquid media by ExpDec1 function analysis. It was preliminarily revealed in this study that four pesticides could be degraded and laccase played an important role. The study will provide technical support for the development of Pleurotus ostreatus for reducing pesticide residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Pesticide Science / Nongyaoxue Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Pesticide Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Context: Candida, leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Aims: The aim of the present study has assessed the association of Candida albicans with normal control group, leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions of the oral cavity by using cornmeal broth +5% milk and milk serum liquid culture media. Settings and Design: Thepresent study comprised of total 80 patients,which included, 30 patients of Leukoplakia, 30 patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma and normal control group comprised of 20 healthy individuals who were not having any relevant medical, dental and habit history. Subjects and Methods: Saliva and Biopsy was taken from clinically suspected leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions for the confirmation of histopathological diagnosis. Saliva samples were inoculated for fungal growth in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, and culture-positive samples had undergone for the germ tube test. Germ tube-positive samples were further taken for chlamydospore production in milk serum and cornmeal broth +5% milk media separately at 8 and 16 h. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test, Fischer extract test. Results: In the normal control group, no fungus growth was found; however, leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma showed fungus growth with positive germ tube test and chlamydospore formation; the result also showed rapid and quantitatively more chlamydospore formation in cornmeal broth +5% milk in comparison to serum milk culture media. There was no growth of Candida in mild and moderate form of leukoplakia. Whereas in a severe form of leukoplakia, there was more quantitative chlamydospore growth in cornmeal broth +5% milk liquid media. Conclusions: In this study, we have tried to compare the efficacy of cornmeal broth +5% milk and milk serum for the identification of C. albicans. Both the culture media were able to promote the growth of chlamydospore in C. albicans. Among different grades of leukoplakia, the growth of C. albicans was seen in severe dysplastic patient only while mild and moderate dysplasia showed no Candidal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ablation environment's effect upon the very nature of silver nanoparticles produced by a pulsed Nd: YAG laser ablation procedure in a liquid medium was probed experimentally. Accordingly, at first, generation of silver nanoparticles was done in water with no stabilizers or surfactants in two wavelengths of 532 and 1064 nm. The effect of laser wavelength on the SPR properties was then thoroughly investigated by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. Also, size distribution was probed through Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) of silver nanoparticles. The optimum wavelength for synthesizing silver nanoparticles was obtained at the wavelength of 532 and the effect of this wavelength was investigated in different liquid media. Eventually, pulses of an Nd: YAG laser of 532 nm wavelength were applied for irradiating the silver target in different environments in water, acetone, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Characterization of the obtained nanoparticles was done by UV–Vis, Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and DLS. The obtained results showed that the maximum ablation rate occurred in acetone, and the smallest nanoparticles were produced in PVP. The present research study then developed a technique for controlling the size distribution, production efficiency as well as aggregation of silver nanoparticles by modifying the liquid medium's nature. [Display omitted] • Silver and silver oxide nanoparticles were prepared by a pulsed Nd:YAG laser ablation procedure in a liquid medium. • The size and efficiency of nanoparticles were investigated at wavelengths 532 and 1064 nm. • The size, efficiency and structural properties of nanoparticles were investigated in different liquid media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, electrical wire explosion has been used to produce aluminum carbon nanotube (Al-CNT) nanocomposite particles in acetone medium. In order to synthesize Al-CNT nanocomposites, initially, CNTs were ultrasonically dispersed. Then, aluminum wire was exploded in this medium. Synthesized samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) methods. The results exhibited formation of spherical nanoparticles in the medium. The average diameter of nanoparticles was 4 nm. Moreover, attained nanoparticles remained stable in acetone. Results revealed a good interaction between aluminum nanoparticles and CNTs in this medium. It is concluded that acetone is a suitable medium for synthesizing Al-CNT nanocomposite as appropriate dispersion of Al-CNT nanoparticles can be achieved in this medium.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of dielectric barrier discharge non-thermal plasma (DBD-NTP) on Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus populations on solid surfaces and in liquid suspensions. Our results showed that inactivation kinetics of S. typhimurium and S. aureus by DBD-NTP treatments can be well predicted with mathematical models. The survival curves of both S. typhimurium and S. aureus showed a log-linear phase followed by tailing behaviors on solid surfaces, and shoulder behaviors followed by a log-linear phase in liquid suspensions. The D values (decimal reduction time) for S. typhimurium and S. aureus in suspension were higher than those on solid surfaces (p < 0.05). Additionally, the maxima of sublethal injury values under low NaCl concentration and neutral pH condition were higher than those under high NaCl and low pH condition. In addition, mathematical modeling was evaluated to predict the final inactivation result for potential industrial applications. This study indicates that different microbial supporting matrices significantly influence the inactivation effect of DBD-NTP; it also provides useful information for future applications of NTP in enhancing food shelf life and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the design and characterization of a 9MHz active bridge oscillator circuit for use as a high resolution quartz crystal microbalance sensor for liquid applications. During the design process, several simulations were run with a general-purpose circuit simulation program (PSpice) in order to predict the behavior of the sensor in different operating conditions such as mass film deposition on the quartz electrode or immersion of the sensor in a Newtonian liquid. Sensitivity coefficients of the oscillation frequency to mass changes on the surface of the resonator and changes in the density and viscosity of the liquid are obtained from the Pspice simulations and compared with the experimental ones obtained from calibration trials. To complete its characterization, the frequency stability in the time domain is determined and the resolution of the sensor is obtained. Finally, the performance of the oscillator is compared with that of a 9MHz Miller oscillator sensor, a topology previously studied by this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a precise determination of the density and viscosity of liquids with MEMS resonators, a high Q-factor is of utmost importance. In such environments, in-plane resonant modes offer a lower damping compared to out-of-plane modes, thus allowing to quantify the increase in Q-factor with and without electrical feedback directly. To stimulate an in-plane oscillation, a sputter deposited aluminum nitride layer on a silicon cantilever is driven by a Lock-In amplifier which is adjusted by the feedback signal originating from the piezoelectric thin film. The exposure to selected liquids, ranging from ethanol to N35 with a dynamic viscosity from 1.2 mPa s up to 73.2 mPa s, features at room temperature intrinsic Q-factors of about 40 and 8, respectively. With a carefully designed amplification circuit, the Q-factors are increased by a factor of 1.4 up to 9.3, which represents Q-factors of 374–12, demonstrating the high potential especially at low viscous liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization of the culture medium and the entire mass production process for various fungi in liquid medium has been studied. However, the technology is not well developed for Clonostachys rosea , a biocontrol agent against various plant pathogens due to its antagonistic capacity to act as a hyperparasite, compete for nutrients and space, and induce plant resistance to pathogens. In this study, we aimed to optimize the culture medium and to standardize parameters that may interfere with the production of C. rosea conidia in a liquid-state fermentation system. Culturing was performed in 250-mL Erlenmeyer flasks shaken for 7 days, followed by planned experimental methodology to reduce the number of analyses and consumable costs. Benchtop bioreactor tests with the optimized medium were performed. Glucose and sucrose were evaluated as carbon sources. Initially, the effects of temperature, pH, photoperiod, carbon:nitrogen ratio and water activity on inoculum production were evaluated, with the pH and photoperiod being factors that contributed to conidial production. Optimization of the fermentation conditions was performed using a central composite rotational design (CCD) with a wider range of pH values and photoperiods. The remaining variables were fixed according to the previous assay. Colony-forming unit (CFUs), biomass production and conidial viability were evaluated, and glucose was used as a carbon source to enhance conidial production. The optimized conditions that resulted in a maximum yield of conidia (1.78 × 10 7  conidia mL −1 ), dried biomass (0.558 g) and CFUs (5.15 × 10 6  CFUs mL −1 ) were a pH value of 4 and a photoperiod of 12 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current analysis describes an improved protocol for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) through liquid medium, and assesses the influence of successive subcultures during induction of calluses in three Brazilian oil palm varieties. Calluses were induced in a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 450 Picloram, 0.5 g L−1glutamine, 2.5 g L−1activated charcoal, 30 g L−1sucrose, and solidified with 2.5 g L−1Phytagel. In a first experiment, the effect of continued subculture of explants every 30 days to fresh culture medium was determined. During a second experiment, part of the embryogenic calluses obtained were transferred to a liquid medium under agitation, consisting of MS with 5 µM picloram or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). After 210 days, the calluses were transferred to semi-solid media for differentiating somatic embryos. It was observed that continued subculture of explants monthly was a determinant in stimulating and improving the formation of embryogenic calluses. Embryogenic calluses in liquid medium with 2,4-D significantly improved the percentage of differentiated somatic embryos (up to 80.2%), with the largest amount of torpedo embryos (8.3 per callus). Regenerated plants with roots were individualised and transferred to a greenhouse, with close to 95% survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-cost identification method that can be performed directly from a positive liquid medium culture is needed for the diagnosis of mycobacterial infections. Here, we describe a novel, cost-effective, and validated method that allows for direct and rapid identification of mycobacteria from a positive liquid culture using VITEK® MS with a total process duration under 45 min. From a liquid mycobacteria culture a 3.0 mL aliquot is removed 24–72 h post positivity and centrifuged to create a pellet. After decanting, the tube is blotted dry, the pellet is re-suspended in 0.5 mL of 70% ethanol and then transferred into a 2.0 mL tube containing glass beads. Mycobacteria are disrupted mechanically followed by a 10 min. incubation at room temperature to complete inactivation. Inactivated material is pelleted by centrifugation and then re-suspended in 10 μL of 70% formic acid and 10 μL of acetonitrile. After centrifugation, 1 μL of supernatant (protein extract) is deposited onto target slide, allowed to dry, and then 1 μL CHCA matrix is added. A seeded study was conducted to demonstrate the reliability of the method, a total of 251 culture samples obtained from automated culture systems (BacT/ALERT® MP bottles, BACTEC MGIT™ 960 tubes, and VersaTREK® Myco bottles), were tested and resulted in 98.8% correct identification. Reproducibility was shown by testing three organisms across three reagent lots, between four laboratory technicians, over the course of five days for three liquid media systems resulting in a total of 180 deposits with an overall correct identification of 98.9% with the remaining results giving no identification. Additional studies were performed including comparison of different mechanical disruption techniques, stability of frozen extracts, and stability of slide deposits to allow for flexibility in a routine clinical workflow. The described method proved to be safe while providing consistent and reproducible results for different species of mycobacteria and is compatible with the three most widely used liquid media medium detection systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cantilever resonators based on the roof tile-shaped modes have recently demonstrated their suitability for liquid media monitoring applications. The early studies have shown that certain combinations of dimensions and order of the mode can maximize the Q-factor, what might suggest a competition between two mechanisms of losses with different geometrical dependence. To provide more insight, a comprehensive study of the Q-factor and the resonant frequency of these modes in microcantilever resonators with lengths and widths between 250 and 3000 µm and thicknesses between 10 and 60 µm is presented. These modes can be efficiently excited by a thin piezoelectric AlN film and a properly designed top electrode layout. The electrical and optical characterization of the resonators are performed in liquid media and then their performance is evaluated in terms of quality factor and resonant frequency. A quality factor as high as 140 was measured in isopropanol for a 1000 × 900 × 10 µm3 cantilever oscillating in the 11th order roof tile-shaped mode at 4 MHz; density and viscosity resolutions of 10−6 g/mL and 10−4 mPa·s, respectively are estimated for a geometrically optimized cantilever resonating below 1 MHz.

Sweet cherry ( Prunus avium L.) varieties and cherry rootstocks are an important part of the fruit industry, and difficulties associated with mass propagation provide an opportunity for the use of temporary immersion systems (TIS). We show the establishment of culture procedures for four genotypes: the rootstocks Maxma-14 and Colt and the varieties 'Van' and 'Rainier.' The starting explants were internodal segments from seedlings kept in solid propagation medium (PM) (Driver-Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW) base supplemented with indole butyric acid, benzyl amino purine; ascorbic acid, myo-inositol, and agar). Segments were cultured under TIS for 14 d and led to whole plant generation after 30 d of culturing in solid rooting media, which depended on whether they are varieties or rootstocks. A 15-d acclimatization phase led to establishment in greenhouse. The efficiency of TIS was specifically analyzed for the two best PM-derivative media and compared to cultures using solid medium. A number of shoots ( P ), biomass ( Q ), and sucrose consumption (SC) were evaluated for these purposes. The results showed that Maxma-14, Colt, and 'Van' TIS cultures had improved performance in comparison to solid cultures, whereas 'Rainier' showed no differences. The number of immersions influenced all of the productive parameters ( P , Q , and SC), whereas genotype affected P , and the time of immersion influenced SC. The best Q and P values were obtained with the rootstocks Maxma-14 and Colt, as well as the variety Van; these showed no hyperhydration. Physiological studies show that 14-d TIS-produced shoots represented an intermediate stage between solid-derived and adult plants, although the photosynthetic efficiencies of these materials revealed a lack of autotrophic ability at this point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacuum freeze-drying is an important food-processing technology for valid retention of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Cronobacter sakazakii has been reported to be associated with severe infections in neonates through consumption of contaminated powdered infant formula. In this study, effects of vacuum freeze-drying treatment for 12, 24, and 36 h on inactivation of C. sakazakii with different initial inoculum levels in sterile water, tryptic soy broth (TSB), skim milk, and whole milk were determined. Results indicated that the lethality rate of C. sakazakii in each sample increased with the extension of vacuum freeze-drying time. With initial inoculum levels of 102 and 103 cfu/mL, the survival of C. sakazakii in different liquid media was significantly affected by vacuum freeze-drying for 12, 24, and 36 h. In addition, the lethality rates of C. sakazakii in whole milk, skim milk, and TSB was significantly reduced compared with those in sterile water. Furthermore, whole milk showed the strongest protective role for C. sakazakii cells, followed by skim milk and TSB medium. Using the scanning electron microscope, the intracellular damage and obvious distortion of C. sakazakii cells were observed after vacuum freeze-drying for 24 and 36 h compared with the untreated sample, and the injured cells increased with the extension of vacuum-drying time. We concluded that inactivation of vacuum freezedrying on C. sakazakii cells is related to the food matrix, and a combination with other methods for inactivating C. sakazakii is required for ensuring microbial safety of powdered infant formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild mushrooms including Boletus are among edible mushrooms consumed by local populations. However, the species identity for many types of wild edible mushroom in Malaysia is poorly known. The present study was conducted to identify and to determine factors affecting in-vitro growth of an edible Boletus sp. (kulat gelam) commonly found in peat swamp forests in Bachok, Kelantan. Identification was initially done using macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the fruiting bodies. However, due to overlapping chemical colour reactions, morphological and anatomical characteristics of the fruiting body with other Boletus species, species identity was confirmed using ITS region, and the mushroom was identified as Boletus griseipurpureus. A toxicity test indicated that B. griseipurpureus is an edible mushroom with low toxic levels (LC50=4.33 mg/mL). From growth studies, the results suggested that potato dextrose agar (PDA), cassava dextrose agar (CDA) and yeast malt extract (YME) were the most suitable artificial media for mycelial growth of B. griseipurpureus at pH 6.0 and 30°C. To our knowledge, this is the first documented report on wild edible mushroom B. griseipurpureus in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is most often infected by the fumonisin-producing Fusarium verticillioides. Total fumonisins of natural infected grain is made up of FB1, FB2 and FB3 with FB1 occurring naturally at higher levels. A maize plant can be infected with more than one F. verticillioides isolate, and finding a reliable method to elucidate the toxigenic potential of these isolates is important to extrapolate the possible fumonisin risk to consumers of grain. It is not clear whether F. verticillioides produces similar fumonisin levels, as well as fumonisin analogue ratios, across media. In this study, nine F. verticillioides isolates were subjected to three methods of fumonisin testing using liquid media, maize patties and a field trial (silk inoculation of grain) in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Spore concentrations of 1 × 106 conidia ml–1 of each isolate were used to inoculate the different media and levels fumonisin analogues were measured using HPLC. Fumonisin production per isolate was highly variable and was influenced by the two-way interaction of F. verticillioides isolate × growth media. Total fumonisins produced in the liquid medium ranged from 0 to 21.3 ppm, on maize patties fumonisins they ranged from 0 to 21.5 ppm, and in the silk inoculation technique they ranged from 0 to 15.5 ppm. The fumonisin analogue FB1 occurred at higher levels followed by FB3 in both in vitro studies. In the silk inoculation technique, fumonisin analogue FB2 was the second highest occurring analogue after FB1. Isolate GCI 282 produced higher FB2 and FB3 levels than FB1 in the patties and grain, respectively. In order not to miscalculate the fumonisin and analogue ratio levels per F. verticillioides isolate, the growth medium will have to be optimised for each isolate and more than one growth medium used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In special drilling projects conducted under arduous liquid conditions, wear-related failures of hardmetal moving parts can easily trigger accidents. The problem is that no acceptable method is available to detect such wear failures. This work endeavors to propose a novel wear detection method for preventing the hardmetal moving parts from the accidents: (i) designed and optimized an attachment device for a conventional ball-on-disc tester; (ii) used a part-screw downhole motor made of cemented carbide as a typical example to validate the detection method; and (iii) offered solutions to wear issues. The designed device consisted of top cover, sleeve, and working platform. The device strength is inspected through finite element static stress, and its structure is then optimized using the zero-order method. Wear experiments are performed on the screw downhole motor rotor under conditions of air, water, and mud showed that the main wear mechanisms in air is abrasive wear, whereas motors experienced fatigue abrasive and tribo-corrosion wears under water and mud conditions. As a result, the solutions are proposed based on the wear mechanisms to prevent the wear failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiplication in temporary immersion systems and ex vitro rooting of white cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) ResumenEl ocumo (Xanthosoma sagittifollium (L.) Schott) es una Arácea cultivada en países tropicales debido al valor nutritivo de sus cormos. La principal limitante para su cultivo es la carencia de semilla de calidad, por esta razón se planteó evaluar la multiplicación de brotes de ocumo blanco en sistemas de inmersión temporal, y el enraizamiento ex vitro de los mismos, para lo cual se estudió el tiempo y la frecuencia de inmersión, y la densidad de explantes sobre la proliferación de los brotes. Asimismo, el efecto del ácido indolacético (AIA) y ácido indolbutírico (AIB) sobre el enraizamiento ex vitro de brotes. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, la mayor eficiencia en la proliferación de brotes se obtuvo utilizando el sistema de inmersión temporal del tipo RITA®, con una frecuencia y tiempo de inmersión de 6 veces/día y 5 min, respectivamente, y una densidad de 9 explantes/RITA®. En el enraizamiento ex vitro se determinó que bajo las condiciones de cultivo empleadas no es necesario el uso de auxinas. Se concluye que es posible la multiplicación eficiente de ocumo blanco en sistemas de inmersión temporal, y realizar el enraizamiento ex vitro sin el uso de auxinas.Palabras clave: aclimatización, frecuencia de inmersión, medio de cultivo líquido, tiempo de inmersión, RITA®. AbstractThe white cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifollium (L.) Schott), is an Arácea cultivated in tropical countries, due to the nutritional value of its corms. The main limiting factor for cultivation is the lack of healthy seed, by this reason be outlined to evaluate the multiplication of shoots of white cocoyam in temporary immersion systems and the ex vitro rooting of the same. For that which, itself study, the time and frequency of immersion and the density of explants on the proliferation of the shoots. As well as, the effect of the indole acetic acid (IAA) and indole butyric acid (IBA) on ex vitro rooting the shoots was studied. According to the results obtained, the greater efficiency in the proliferation of shoots was obtained utilizing the temporary immersion system of the type RITA®, with a frequency and time of immersion of 6 times/day and 5 min, respectively and a density of 9 explantes/RITA®. In the ex vitro rooting was determined that under the conditions of employed cultivation is not necessary the use of auxins. It is concluded that is possible the efficient multiplication of white cocoyam in temporary immersion systems and to carry out the ex vitro rooting without the use of auxins.Keys words: Acclimatation, liquid media, immersion time, immersion frecuency, RITA®.

Background and Objective: The present study evaluates the association of Candida albicans with normal control group, potentially malignant and malignant lesions of oral cavity by using two different liquid culture media. Materials and Methods: Saliva was collected and biopsy was taken only from those clinically suspected potentially malignant and malignant lesions for histopathological diagnosis. Saliva samples were inoculated for fungal growth in Sabouraud′s dextrose agar and culture-positive samples had undergone for Germ tube test. Germ tube-positive samples were further taken for quantification of chlamydospore production in liquid media at 8 and 16 hours. Results: In normal control groups no fungus growth was found; however, potentially malignant and malignant cases showed fungus growth, positive germ tube test and chlamydospore formation. The result also showed rapid and quantitatively more chlamydospore formation in corn meal broth + 5% milk in comparison to serum milk culture media. Conclusion: The oral mucosa is compromised in potentially malignant lesions, it can be argued that this species may be involved in carcinogenesis by elaborating the nitrosamine compounds which either act directly on oral mucosa or interact with other chemical carcinogens to activate specific proto-oncogenes and thereby initiate oral neoplasia.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of dielectric barrier discharge non-thermal plasma (DBD-NTP) on Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus populations on solid surfaces and in liquid suspensions. Our results showed that inactivation kinetics of S. typhimurium and S. aureus by DBD-NTP treatments can be well predicted with mathematical models. The survival curves of both S. typhimurium and S. aureus showed a log-linear phase followed by tailing behaviors on solid surfaces, and shoulder behaviors followed by a log-linear phase in liquid suspensions. The D values (decimal reduction time) for S. typhimurium and S. aureus in suspension were higher than those on solid surfaces (p < 0.05). Additionally, the maxima of sublethal injury values under low NaCl concentration and neutral pH condition were higher than those under high NaCl and low pH condition. In addition, mathematical modeling was evaluated to predict the final inactivation result for potential industrial applications. This study indicates that different microbial supporting matrices significantly influence the inactivation effect of DBD-NTP; it also provides useful information for future applications of NTP in enhancing food shelf life and safety.

The objective of this research was to evaluate combinations of liquid media obtained from agro-industrial residues and by-products, with solid media prepared with mixtures of grains and their derivatives, aiming to increase the production of JAB 02 and JAB 45 isolates of Lecanicillium lecanii. Sporulation, conidial viability and process yield were evaluated as well as the production costs using the JAB 45 isolate as a model system were analyzed. The production of JAB 02 was not increased using the biphasic culture. For JAB 45, some combinations provided an increase in yield, especially cheese whey with wheat bran and wheat grain, with lower production costs. Viability was not influenced by the production method, and the combinations showed no differences in the process yield. The biphasic method is suitable for the production of L. lecanii, and proves to be an appropriate technology to use in mass production by biofactories.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar combinações de meios líquidos, obtidos de resíduos e subprodutos agroindustriais, e meios sólidos, preparados com misturas de grãos e seus derivados, visando o aumento da produção dos isolados JAB 02 e JAB 45 de Lecanicillium lecanii. Avaliaram-se a esporulação, a viabilidade de conídios e o rendimento do processo, bem como o custo de produção usando como modelo o isolado JAB 45 foi analisado. A produção de JAB 02 não foi incrementada pelo cultivo bifásico. Para JAB 45, algumas combinações promoveram aumento na produção, especialmente a de soro de queijo com farelo de trigo e trigo em grão, que apresentou o menor custo. A viabilidade não foi influenciada pelo método de produção e as combinações não mostraram diferenças quanto ao rendimento do processo. O método bifásico é adequado para a produção de L. lecanii, sendo uma tecnologia apropriada para uso com o objetivo de produção massal por biofábricas

Cultivation is the gold standard in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB). M. tuberculosis needs 3-4 weeks to growth in solid media, but it is growing faster in liquid media. The aim of this study was to compare the positivity rate and detection time of M. tuberculosis growth using colorimetric liquid and Ogawa solid media. This study did in Laboratory of Clinical Pathology Hasan Sadikin Hospital during June-Desember 2007. The subject was pulmonary, pleuritis or meningitis TB patients. The statistic analyzed using chi square and independent t test. The specimens were 71 sputums, 24 pleural fluids, 20 cerebrospinal fluids (CSF). The positivity rate of liquid media for sputums were 69%, pleural fluids 41.7%, CSF 60%. The positivity rate of solid media for sputums were 52.1%, pleural fluids 25%, CSF 20%. The positivity rate in liquid media was significant for sputum and CSF (p=0..05). The mean detection time in liquid media for sputums were 15.2 (±8.7) days, pleural fluids 8 (±12.7) days, CSF 13.5 (±19.5) days. The mean detection time in solid media for sputums 23 (±9) days, pleural fluids 36 (±18.3) days, CSF 32 (±11.4) days. The mean detection time in liquid media was significant for sputum and pleural fluid (p=0.05). The positivity rate and detection time of M. tuberculosis growth in colorimetric liquid media are higher and faster than in Ogawa solid media, so it is better for diagnosing TB.

• The effects of the electrical field and different liquid media on hydration products were studied. • The portlandite had been proved to be affected by the electrical field. • The pure water affected the stability of C S H gel under the electrical field. • The fractal model was used to analyze the pore structure and morphology of hydration products. Electrical fields accelerate the sulfate attack, which induces detrimental effects on the durability of cement-based materials. However, the role of the electrical field and aggressive liquid media in the degradation process is still unclear. Investigation of the role of the electrical field and aggressive liquid media during the degradation allows a better understanding of the mechanism of accelerated technique. Four different liquid media were used in this work to study the effect of the electrical field and liquid media in terms of the stability of hydration products. The evolution of hydration products was experimentally identified using multiple techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption/desorption (NAD), pH and CaO content measurements. The results indicated that the C S H structure was stable under the electrical field and saturated Ca(OH) 2 solution. The calcium loss under the electrical field was more likely to leach out from portlandite even though the mixed Ca(OH) 2 -Na 2 SO 4 solution was present. A severe degradation occurred under the electrical field and low-pH liquid media (pure water, Na 2 SO 4 -MgSO 4 solutions). The Ca/Si ratio significantly decreased from 1.34 to 0.82 under the coupling effect of the electrical field and Na 2 SO 4 -MgSO 4 solutions. Based on the fractal dimension results derived from NAD and TEM, the variations of pore structure and C S H gel morphology were quantitatively characterized. The coupled electrical field and low-pH liquid media dramatically altered the microstructure of hydration products, resulting in coarser pore networks and a shift to the disordered C S H gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The performance of Bruker Biotyper matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in identifying species of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in flagged Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tubes (MGIT)s is unclear. Materials & methods: A total of 92 sequential MGIT-positive nontuberculous mycobacteria isolates, including Mycobacterium intracellulare, M. abscessus complex, M. avium complex and M. avium, were used to compare the performance of the MALDI-TOF MS for species-level identification with that of the BluePoint MycoID plus kit and final identification. Results: A total of 44 (47.8%) and 80 (87.0%) isolates were correctly identified to the species level by the MALDI-TOF MS and BluePoint MycoID plus kit, respectively. Conclusion: The procedure of MALDI-TOF MS in MGITs inoculated with clinical specimens is needed to be further optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]