Enzymatic processing of protein-based fibers

Wool and silk are major protein fiber materials used by the textile industry. Fiber protein structure-function relationships are briefly described here, and the major enzymatic processing routes for textiles and other novel applications are deeply reviewed. Fiber biomodification is described here with various classes of enzymes such as protease, transglutaminase, tyrosinase, and laccase. It is expected that the reader will get a perspective on the research done as a basis for new applications in other areas such as cosmetics and pharma.This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21274055,51373071, 31201134 and 31470509), the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (NCET-12-0883), the Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University (IRT1135), the Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (BK2012112), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (JUSRP51312B)

Effect of autoclave sterilisation and heat activated sodium hypochlorite irrigation on the performance of nickel-titanium rotary files against cyclic fatigue

The present study aims to assess the impact of heat-activated sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and/or autoclave sterilisation on the cyclic fatigue resistance (CFR) of heat-treated nickel-titanium rotary files used in root canal treatment. The CFR of One Curve (OC) files was evaluated under the following conditions: as received (Group 1; control), immersion in NaOCl at 23 ± 1ºC (Group 2), immersion in NaOCl at 60 ± 1ºC (Group 3), autoclave sterilisation at 135 1ºC (Group 4), combined treatment of autoclave sterilisation and immersion in NaOCl at 23 ± 1ºC (Group 5), and combined treatment of autoclave sterilisation and immersion in NaOCl at 60 ± 1ºC (Group 6). A simulated root canal in a zirconia block was utilised to test the performance of the files. All the types of treatments resulted in significant reductions in fracture resistance of the OC files. Immersion of the files in NaOCl at 23ºC revealed the smallest reduction, while combined treatment of autoclaving and immersion in NaOCl at 60ºC caused the greatest reduction. Autoclave sterilisation or exposure of OC files to 2.5% NaOCl adversely affect the cyclic fatigue life and increasing solution temperature or combined treatment caused additionally significant reduction in CFR

Multinationality and performance literature: a critical review and future research agenda

The literature on the relationship between the degree of multinationality (M) and performance (P) in the context of multinational enterprises (MNEs) has attracted a large volume of research in the past 50 years. Yet, the theoretical foundations and the empirical conclusions concerning the nature of M–P relationship vary greatly, thus call for a critical review and assessment. We examine 135 articles in 39 leading scholarly journals and classic books published during the period 1960–2015. We use an inductive approach and a qualitative content analysis methodology for our comprehensive and critical review of the literature. We incorporate international business, finance, and accounting perspectives in our analysis. We review the conceptualization and measurement of M, P, the findings on M–P relationships, methodologies, and geographic focus. We identify six key inconsistencies in the existing research, which cause ambiguity in the relevant findings. We make eight recommendations for future research to address these inconsistencies. Thus, our study contributes to the central debate in this research field

Using ground granulated blast furnace slag with seawater as soil additives in lime-clay stabilization

ASCE Geo Institute;ASTM Int. Comm. D18 Soil Rock D18.96 Symp.;Recycled Materials Resource Center;TC 202 - Transportation Geotechnics Committee of ISSMGEASTM International Symposium on Testing and Specification of Recycled Materials for Sustainable Geotechnical Construction -- 2 February 2011 through 4 February 2011 -- Baltimore, MD -- 91687Clayey soils are not favorable foundation for road pavement, due to their low bearing capacity and remarkable swelling potential because of water intrusion. Many previous studies demonstrated that the engineering quality of clayey soils can be improved significantly by physical and chemical stabilization techniques, thereby making clayey soils suitable for use in embankments. The present study examined the use of granulated blast furnace slag in powder-form, commercial lime and seawater to improve the engineering properties of a low-plastic clay soil. Clay soil samples were reconstituted by adding various percentages (by weight) of GGBFS, lime, and seawater at optimum water contents, based on compaction tests results. The specimens were cured for 1, 7, and 28 days. Unconfined compression and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests were conducted. The results indicated that the unconfined compression strength of the clay samples (stabilized with 5% lime, 3.33% GGBFS and cured for 28 days) was more than eight times the initial strength of the untreated samples, reaching 2500 kPa with seawater. Soaked CBR values also increased to more than ten times the initial value. Copyright © 2011 by ASTM International