Computing the effective diffusion coefficient of solutes in a multi-salts solutions during forward osmosis (FO) membrane filtration: Experiments and mathematical modelling.

Diffusion coefficient of solutes through a porous membrane media is different from diffusion coefficient through a free homogenous media. Porosity, tortuosity and the thickness of the membrane significantly affect the diffusion through a specific thickness of a membrane and therefore it is termed as effective diffusion coefficient (Deff) which is lower than the actual diffusion coefficient, D. The Deff of single or dual solutes through a porous membrane layer are well documented but not for multiple salts. Therefore, in this study, single, dual and multiple salt mixtures were passed through a flat sheet cellulose triacetate Forward Osmosis (FO) membrane to obtain a semi-empirical relationship with the Deff and its water flux. This will allow computing the structural coefficient of FO membranes. Research community have spent tremendous efforts in membrane modification to reduce the structural coefficient to improve FO process efficiency. Our finding suggests that optimising the draw solution chemistry can achieve this goal.

Functional properties of whey proteins microparticulated at low pH.

The main aim of the study was to assess the effect of microparticulation at low pH on the functionality of heat-denatured whey proteins (WP). Spray-dried, microparticulated WP (MWP) powders were produced from 7% (wt/wt) WP dispersions at pH 3, acidified with citric or lactic acid, and microfluidized with or without heat denaturation. Nonmicroparticulated, spray-dried powders produced at neutral pH or pH 3 served as controls. The powders were examined for their functional and physicochemical properties. Denatured MWP had an approximately 2 orders of magnitude reduction in particle size compared with those produced at neutral pH, with high colloidal stability indicated by substantially improved solubility. The detection of monomeric forms of WP in PAGE also confirmed the particle size reduction. Microparticulated WP exhibited enhanced heat stability, as indicated by thermograms, along with better emulsifying properties compared with those produced at neutral pH. However, MWP powders created weaker heat-induced gels at neutral pH compared with controls. However, they created comparatively strong cold acid-set gels. At low pH, a combination of heat and high hydrodynamic pressure produced WP micro-aggregates with improved colloidal stability that affects other functionalities.

Wilms tumour associated with unilateral dysplasia of the iris.

We report a case of Wilms tumour associated with unilateral partial aniridia. Although Wilms tumour is known to be associated with bilateral aniridia, there is only one previously reported case associated with dysplasia of the iris.