Influence Of Different Degrees Research Articles

Can pair-instability supernova models match the observations of superluminous supernovae?

An increasing number of so-called superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) are discovered. It is believed that at least some of them with slowly fading light curves originate in stellar explosions induced by the pair instability mechanism. Recent stellar evolution models naturally predict pair instability supernovae (PISNe) from very massive stars at wide range of metallicities (up to Z=0.006, Yusof et al. 2013). In the scope of this study we analyse whether PISN models can match the observational properties of SLSNe with various light curve shapes. Specifically, we explore the influence of different degrees of macroscopic chemical mixing in PISN explosive products on the resulting observational properties. We artificially apply mixing to the 250 Msun PISN evolutionary model from Kozyreva et al. (2014) and explore its supernova evolution with the one-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics code STELLA. The greatest success in matching SLSN observations is achieved in the case of an extreme macroscopic mixing, where all radioactive material is ejected into the hydrogen-helium outer layer. Such an extreme macroscopic redistribution of chemicals produces events with faster light curves with high photospheric temperatures and high photospheric velocities. These properties fit a wider range of SLSNe than non-mixed PISN model. Our mixed models match the light curves, colour temperature and photospheric velocity evolution of two well-observed SLSNe PTF12dam and LSQ12dlf. However, these models' extreme chemical redistribution may be hard to realise in massive PISNe. Therefore, alternative models such as the magnetar mechanism or wind-interaction may still to be favourable to interpret rapidly rising SLSNe.

Correction: Self-Organising Maps and Correlation Analysis as a Tool to Explore Patterns in Excitation-Emission Matrix Data Sets and to Discriminate Dissolved Organic Matter Fluorescence Components

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a complex mixture of organic compounds, ubiquitous in marine and freshwater systems. Fluorescence spectroscopy, by means of Excitation-Emission Matrices (EEM), has become an indispensable tool to study DOM sources, transport and fate in aquatic ecosystems. However the statistical treatment of large and heterogeneous EEM data sets still represents an important challenge for biogeochemists. Recently, Self-Organising Maps (SOM) has been proposed as a tool to explore patterns in large EEM data sets. SOM is a pattern recognition method which clusterizes and reduces the dimensionality of input EEMs without relying on any assumption about the data structure. In this paper, we show how SOM, coupled with a correlation analysis of the component planes, can be used both to explore patterns among samples, as well as to identify individual fluorescence components. We analysed a large and heterogeneous EEM data set, including samples from a river catchment collected under a range of hydrological conditions, along a 60-km downstream gradient, and under the influence of different degrees of anthropogenic impact. According to our results, chemical industry effluents appeared to have unique and distinctive spectral characteristics. On the other hand, river samples collected under flash flood conditions showed homogeneous EEM shapes. The correlation analysis of the component planes suggested the presence of four fluorescence components, consistent with DOM components previously described in the literature. A remarkable strength of this methodology was that outlier samples appeared naturally integrated in the analysis. We conclude that SOM coupled with a correlation analysis procedure is a promising tool for studying large and heterogeneous EEM data sets.

The magnetic resonance aspect of a polyurethane meniscal scaffold is worse in advanced cartilage defects without deterioration of clinical outcomes after a minimum two-year follow-up

BackgroundMeniscal scaffolding is thought to provide functional improvement and to prevent cartilage degeneration. Advanced chondral injuries might damage the scaffold structural properties. ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of different degrees of articular chondral injuries on the imaging aspect of a polyurethane meniscal scaffold (Actifit®). MethodsFifty-four patients operated on with an Actifit® were studied. The status of the articular cartilage in the involved compartment was classified according to ICRS. The characteristics of the implant were evaluated in MRI with the Genovese score. Functional scores included WOMET, IKDC and Kujala scores. The Genovese score was correlated with the degree of chondral injury and functional results. ResultsThe mean follow-up was 39months (range 25–63). Additional procedures were performed in 69.5%. There were 19 patients without chondral injuries and 14 with grade 1, 10 with grade 3 and eight with grade 4 chondral lesions. The morphology and size of the implant on MRI scanning were worse with a higher degree of chondral injury (p=0.023). WOMET, IKDC and Kujala improved from 36.2SD ±7.6, 32.3SD ±13.5 and 39.2SD ±8.1 to 75.8SD ±12.9 (p=0.02), 75.5SD ±15.4 (p=0.03) and 85.6SD ±13.4 (0.042), respectively. There was no relationship between the severity of chondral injury and functional scores. ConclusionsPatients without chondral injuries showed a better MRI aspect of the polyurethane scaffold in terms of size and morphology. By optimizing biomechanics, in particular the implantation of a meniscal substitute, significant pain relief and functional improvement were observed after a minimum two-year follow-up. Level of evidenceTherapeutic case series; level 4.

Preparation, characterization and application of nanosized copper ferrite photocatalysts for dye degradation under UV irradiation

Nanosized copper ferrite-type materials (CuxFe3–xO4, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1) have been prepared by combination of co-precipitation and mechanochemical activation and/or thermal treatment. The crystalline structure and morphology of the obtained ferrite nanopowders have been characterized by different instrumental methods, such as Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Mössbauer and FT-IR spectroscopies, specific surface area and porosity measurements, thermal analyses (Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetric Analysis) and Temperature-Programmed Reduction. The average crystallite size of copper ferrites ranged between 7.8 and 14.7 nm and show a superparamagnetic and collective magnetic excitations nature. The photocatalytic decolorization of Malachite green oxalate under different UV illumination intervals was examined using these copper ferrites as photocatalysts. The results indicate that the prepared nanostructured copper ferrites showed enhanced photocatalytic activity and amount adsorbed Malachite Green dye. The co-precipitated nanosized copper ferrite powder with a low content of copper metal ions in a magnetite host structure (Cu0.25Fe2.75O4) showed an apparent pseudo-first-order rate constant 15.4 × 10−3 min−1 and an amount adsorbed Malachite Green as model organic dye pollutant per 1 g catalyst of 33.4 ppm/g after the dark period. The results confirm that the copper ferrites can be suitable for photocatalytic treatment of wastewaters containing organic dyes. The new aspect of presented investigations is to study the influence of different degree of incorporation of copper ions into the magnetite host structure and preparation methods on the photocatalytic properties of nanosized copper ferrite materials and obtaining of potential photocatalyst (Cu0.25Fe2.75O4) with higher photocatalytic activity (15.4 × 10−3 min−1) than that of the standard referent Degussa P25 (12 × 10−3 min−1) for degradation of organic dye Malachite green under UV irradiation.

Influence of different degrees of head elevation on respiratory mechanics in mechanically ventilated patients.

Objective The positioning of a patient in bed may directly affect their respiratory mechanics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the respiratory mechanics of mechanically ventilated patients positioned with different head angles hospitalized in an intensive care unit.Methods This was a prospective physiological study in which static and dynamic compliance, resistive airway pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation were measured with the head at four different positions (0° = P1, 30° = P2, 45° = P3, and 60° = P4). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a Bonferroni post-test and Friedman analysis were used to compare the values obtained at the different positions.Results A comparison of the 35 evaluated patients revealed that the resistive airway pressure values in the 0° position were higher than those obtained when patients were positioned at greater angles. The elastic pressure analysis revealed that the 60° position produced the highest value relative to the other positions. Regarding static compliance, a reduction in values was observed from the 0° position to the 60° position. The dynamic compliance analysis revealed that the 30° angle produced the greatest value compared to the other positions. The peripheral oxygen saturation showed little variation, with the highest value obtained at the 0° position.ConclusionThe highest dynamic compliance value was observed at the 30° position, and the highest oxygenation value was observed at the 0° position.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF HEMODYNAMICS IN PORTAL VEIN WITH THROMBOSIS BY COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an important complication that is associated with cirrhotic portal hypertension. The etiology is as yet unclear but could be closely related to the hemodynamics of the portal vein system. This paper investigated the hemodynamics in the portal vein model, both with and without thrombosis, as well as the effect of obstructions on the hemodynamics of the portal vein system using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. PVT can probably develop in the inlets of the portal vein as well as the left/right branches of the portal vein because the distribution of wall shear stress satisfies the conditions for PVT formation based upon the simulation of the hemodynamics in the normal portal vein model. According to the above results, geometric models for a portal vein with a thrombus were constructed and the influence of different degrees (26%, 39%, 53% and 64%) of obstructions was studied. In the model with the maximum obstruction (64% blocked), the maximum velocity of portal vein (PV) increased up to twice than in the model without thrombosis, and the maximum wall shear stress of PV in the model with thrombosis (64% blocked) increased up to 9.4 Pa, whereas it was only 1.9 Pa in the model without thrombosis (nearly one fifth of the maximum wall shear stress). Excessive wall shear stress may cause mechanical damage to the blood vessels and induce physiological changes.

A study of pigment application on atmospheric pressure plasma treated cotton fabric

Cotton fabric was treated with atmospheric pressure plasma under the influence of different degrees of discharge power (130 W, 140 W, 150 W, 160 W, and 170W) and oxygen flow rates (0.2 l/min, 0.3 l/min, 0.4 l/min, 0.5 l/min, and 0.6 l/min). After plasma treatment, the cotton fabric was subjected to pigment dyeing. Experimental results revealed that plasma treatment with increasing discharge power and oxygen flow rate is able to achieve a better water absorbency and hence improve the pigment dyeing ability. In addition, the plasma treatment can improve the crocking performance of the pigment dyed fabric.

Self-organising maps and correlation analysis as a tool to explore patterns in excitation-emission matrix data sets and to discriminate dissolved organic matter fluorescence components.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a complex mixture of organic compounds, ubiquitous in marine and freshwater systems. Fluorescence spectroscopy, by means of Excitation-Emission Matrices (EEM), has become an indispensable tool to study DOM sources, transport and fate in aquatic ecosystems. However the statistical treatment of large and heterogeneous EEM data sets still represents an important challenge for biogeochemists. Recently, Self-Organising Maps (SOM) has been proposed as a tool to explore patterns in large EEM data sets. SOM is a pattern recognition method which clusterizes and reduces the dimensionality of input EEMs without relying on any assumption about the data structure. In this paper, we show how SOM, coupled with a correlation analysis of the component planes, can be used both to explore patterns among samples, as well as to identify individual fluorescence components. We analysed a large and heterogeneous EEM data set, including samples from a river catchment collected under a range of hydrological conditions, along a 60-km downstream gradient, and under the influence of different degrees of anthropogenic impact. According to our results, chemical industry effluents appeared to have unique and distinctive spectral characteristics. On the other hand, river samples collected under flash flood conditions showed homogeneous EEM shapes. The correlation analysis of the component planes suggested the presence of four fluorescence components, consistent with DOM components previously described in the literature. A remarkable strength of this methodology was that outlier samples appeared naturally integrated in the analysis. We conclude that SOM coupled with a correlation analysis procedure is a promising tool for studying large and heterogeneous EEM data sets.

Effect of different levels of social isolation on the acoustical characteristics of sheep vocalization

In farm animals, vocal analysis is accepted as a non-invasive method for assessing animal welfare in comparison to most physiological measurements. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different degrees of social isolation on the acoustic characteristics of stress-induced bleats from three different breeds of sheep. The experiment consisted of subjecting the animals to three different levels of social isolation during which both locomotive and vocal data were recorded. The data on locomotive behaviour was subjected to descriptive analysis while specialized acoustic software was used to measure a total of thirty-six parameters of recorded bleats. Descriptive analysis showed that the animals displayed more locomotive activity during partial isolation compared to complete isolation. Number of bleats during partial isolation was also found to be higher. The application of two-way analysis of variance showed a significant effect of isolation level and breed on both temporal and structural acoustic properties. Amplitude, power and time acoustic properties were found to affect acoustic quality of vocal responses to isolation, whereas frequency related properties were also found to be different significantly (P < 0.05) between breeds. From spectrogram analysis, the patterns of energy distribution within the calls proved to offer the most evident that differ between isolation levels and breeds. It was concluded that acoustic analysis can be helpful in revealing the affective state of socially isolated rams. Key Words: Sheep, Social Isolation, Vocalization, Behaviour, Animal Welfare

The influence of testosterone level in male rats on gastrotoxicity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

In experiments on male rats the influence of different degree of saturation of rats organism with testosterone on gastrotoxicity of diclophenac-sodium, nomesulide and celecoxib was investigated. It was shown that testosterone promoted increase of damaging action of NSAIDs on the stomach. After gonadectomy the multiplicity and severity of gastric lesion were by 2,5 less than in intact rats. Replacement therapy with testosterone increased ulcerogenic action of diclophenac by 2,9 times in comparison with rats after gonadectomy. Excessive introduction of testosterone promoted more intensive gastrotoxicity in comparison with intact rats. Investigation of biochemical markers of protective barrier s of gastric mucosa in male rats has shown that testosterone is the factor which decreases stomach mucosal defense. Gonadectomy of male rats increases production of glycosaminoglycanes, nitrite/nitrates (by 17,7%), and SOD activity (by 16,9%) and at the same time decreases MDA level (by 17,3%). Substitutive and excessive introduction of testosterone caused opposite effect. Introduction of diclophenac sodium during 7 days resulted in macroscopic changes in gastric mucosa and was accompanied with decreasing of glycosaminoglycanes, nitrite/nitrates and SOD activity and increasing of MDA level. These changes directly correlated with the level of saturation with testosterone in male organism. Thereby accounting level of androgen saturation in organism of male rats gives possibility to correct the dose of NSAIDs and opens new perspectives for selection of optimal drug-correctors of NSAIDs gastrotoxicity.

Research on the Performance of DSP Parallel System

This paper introduces the performance metric of DSP parallel processing system and presents a model of coarse-grained speedup of DSP parallel processing structure. Quantitative research is done according to the system performance index and target program features. This study simulates and analyzes different communication protocols and different influences of different degrees of parallelism on the parallel processing structure performances. Optimization direction of parallel processing system is put forward.

Geochemistry of ultramafic xenoliths in Cenozoic alkali basalts from Jiangsu province, eastern China and their geological implication

Twelve ultramafic xenoliths in Cenozoic alkali basalts from Jiangsu province, eastern China have been analyzed for major, trace, Sr–Nd isotopic composition and mineral chemical compositions and the origin of these ultramafic xenoliths is discussed based on the geochemical constraints. Based on classification norms, the ultramafic xenoliths in the present study belong to type I xenolith. The Fo-values of the ultramafic xenoliths range from 90.18 to 92.18. The ultramafic xenoliths have higher MgO content, but lower Al2O3, TiO2, CaO and Na2O contents than those of primitive mantle, indicating that they represent residues formed by different degrees of partial melting from the upper mantle. The enrichment of Rb, Ba, U, Nb, K, La, Ce, Sr, P and Zr of ultramafic xenoliths found in Jiangsu province, eastern China may be related to the CO2–H2O-fluids metasomatism. On the basis of Sr–Nd isotopic ratios, we suggest that the lithospheric mantle beneath the study area mostly belongs to depleted-type mantle but with slightly enriched signatures, indicating the heterogeneous characteristics in the mantle source and the influence of different degrees of fluids-metasomatism on the mantle composition. The equilibrium P–T conditions of the spinel lherzolite xenoliths are: T = 913 ~ 1045°C, P = 13 ~ 22 kb corresponding to depths of 45–83 km. The P–T conditions suggest that the geothermal gradient of the upper mantle beneath the study area is approximately similar to oceanic geotherm which may be caused by asthenosphere upwelling. We suggested that lithospheric mantle thinning accompanied by asthenosphere upwelling has occurred and a newly accreted and cooled asthenospheric mantle may exist beneath the study area.

Preoperative renal dysfunction and clinical outcomes of cardiac surgery in octogenarians

BackgroundThe proportion of elderly individuals is growing and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among elderly people undergoing cardiac surgery is increasing constantly. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different degrees of preoperative renal dysfunction on postoperative outcomes in patients older than 80years of age. MethodsThis is an observational study that included adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery in which data were collected prospectively. Patients were divided into groups according to their preoperative plasma creatinine and eGFR levels. ResultsFrom February 1997 to January 2010, 318 octogenarians underwent cardiac surgery. Of these, 140 patients (44%) had abnormal preoperative creatinine levels. A significantly higher incidence of postoperative sepsis (4% vs. 17%, p 0.03), CVA (1% vs. 6%, p 0.03), and prolonged hospital stay (16±13 vs. 20±16days, p 0.04) were detected in patients with preoperative kidney dysfunction. Subgroup analysis revealed that preoperative CKD stage IV (eGFR 15–30ml/min/1.73m2) but not CKD stage III (eGFR 30–60ml/min/1.73m2) and preoperative creatinine >1.8mg/dl were independently associated with increased incidence of postoperative CVA (OR 4; 95% CI 0.07–0. 8, p=0.05 for eGFR, and OR 7.8; 95% CI 1.2–60, p=0.003 for creatinine). However, no significant increment in postoperative mortality with decreasing eGFR or increasing preoperative creatinine was demonstrated. ConclusionsA substantial increase in the risk of postoperative CVA and sepsis, but not mortality, was demonstrated in octogenarians with advanced but not mild degrees of preoperative CKD. Compared to younger patients, a high burden of comorbidities in octogenarians may have a greater influence on outcomes post cardiac surgery than impaired renal function. Our data may provide a rationale for modified risk stratification in octogenarian candidates for cardiac surgery.

Fabrication and characterisation of MnOOH and β-MnO2 nanorods with rectangular cross-sections

MnOOH nanorods with rectangular cross-sections have been successfully prepared in high yield via a hydrothermal reduction process at a low temperature. After the subsequent heat treatment of the as-prepared MnOOH nanorods at 350°C for 6 h in air, β-MnO2 nanorods with rectangular cross-section that retained the similar morphologies of MnOOH nanorods were obtained. The products were characterised by powder X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The influences of different degrees of pH on the morphology and phase of the final products under hydrothermal conditions are discussed.

Influence of Different Degrees of Complementarity of Solar and Hydro Energy Availability on the Performance of Hybrid Hydro PV Generating Plants

The complementarity of energy resources used in hybrid power generation can result in optimization of power capacity and reservation capabilities. This article is dedicated to the study of hybrid hydro PV systems. The goal is to establish the relationship between system performance and complementarity of energy resources. The study was carried out with computer simulations based on a method that uses ideal functions developed to describe the energy resources and determines a limit of performance. The results confirm expectations that performance, as measured by the total time of failure to meet demand, will be better as energy resources are complementary. Charts relating energy complementarity with failures are presented. The subsequent research work shall proceed to at least two different phases. In the first one, the method exposed in the present work shall be applied to real data and compared to the operation of existing hybrid plants. In the second phase, results shall be confronted with design parameters of hydro PV plants based on complementary resources. A next stage would be the enlargement of the method applied in this work for systems based on other energy resources, such as wind energy and ocean wave energy.

Influence of different degrees of chronic intermittent hypoxia on c-fos protein and apoptosis in rats

To establish different degrees and duration of animal hypoxia model of sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome according to the mechanism of intermittent hypoxia, to observe the effect of c-fos protein and apoptosis, and to explore the mechanism of nervous system injury. By using the model of chronic intermittent hypoxia in rats, male Wistar rats (n = 72) were randomly divided into three groups: 5% of chronic intermittent hypoxia group (the fraction of oxygen volume reduced to 5% under hypoxia), 10% of chronic intermittent hypoxia group (the fraction of oxygen volume reduced to 5% under hypoxia) and control group. The levels of on c-fos protein and apoptosis of hippocampal cell in three groups were detected at the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th week respectively. The expression of c-fos protein in hippocampal cell was detected by immunohistochemical method and the apoptosis of hippocampal cell was detected by TUNEL. The relative quantity of c-fos protein and apoptotic index in CIH groups were significantly higher than that of the control group on the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th weeks (F were 44.52, 57.56, 24.20 and 13.18, P < 0.05), and these were higher obviously in 5% CIH group than that in 10% CIH group (P < 0.05). The expression of c-fos protein and apoptotic index in two CIH groups was different depending upon the different degree and duration of chronic intermittent hypoxia. With increased exposure time, the expression of c-fos protein and apoptotic index was high generally at first, peaked at 6th week, then down at 8th week (P < 0.05). While it in UC group was invariability in different time (P > 0.05). The correlation between the relative quantity of c-fos protein and apoptotic index in two CIH groups was positive (r were 0.816 and 0.701, P < 0.01). Moderate and severe intermittent hypoxia induced the excessive expression of c-fos protein in hippocampus, caused nerve cell apoptosis, and may play an important role in the mechanism of early brain injury of intermittent hypoxia.

Stresses in Teeth and Overlying Crowns

A complete cast crown allows the operator to modify axial tooth contour. The margin should be smooth and distinct and its width has to allow adequate bulk of metal at the margin. The objective of this study was to evaluate, by finite element analysis, the influence of different degree of taper and marginal designs for cast crown preparations, on the stress distribution in teeth and crowns. As experimental model an upper first molar was used. The geometry of the intact tooth were obtained by 3D scanning. The tooth preparations and the complete cast crowns were designed. Models were exported in a finite element analysis software for structural simulations. Von Mises equivalent stresses were calculated and their distribution was plotted graphically. Numerical simulations provide a biomechanical explanation for stress distribution in prepared teeth and overlying crowns.

An Analysis of Risks of Electric Charge in Electric Network Enterprises under the Influences of the Financial Crisis and Causes for the Risks

The financial crisis has exerted influences of different degrees within a global scope, and, in the meanwhile, has brought about definite risks to the electric charge management in electric network enterprises. This paper makes a comprehensive analysis of prominent risks and characteristic changes in electric charge management in electric network enterprises under influences of the financial crisis, and studies the sources and major causes for the risks of electric charge by taking Hunan Electric Power Company as the case study, which has great reference significance for electric network enterprises to further strengthen the electric charge management work and enhance the comprehensive risk management level.

β-Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges as carriers for 1-MCP in extending the postharvest longevity of carnation cut flowers: an evaluation of different degrees of cross-linking

This study investigated the influence of different degrees of cross-linking of β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (β-CD-NSs) on the activity of the incorporated 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to extend the postharvest longevity of carnation cut flowers. The polymeric β-CD-NSs were synthesized from cyclodextrins at three varying reticulations, β-CD-NS 1:2, β-CD-NS 1:4, and β-CD-NS 1:8. These carriers were supplied to carry the nonvolatile formulations of 1-MCP at two different concentrations (0.25 and 0.5 μL L−1, ai) through stem and tissues of cut flowers of Dianthus caryophyllus L. ‘Idra di Muraglia’, both sprayed and in vase suspension. Treated cut flowers were compared to those receiving like concentrations of commercially prepared gaseous 1-MCP and to neat β-CD-NS 1:2, β-CD-NS 1:4, and β-CD-NS 1:8. Visual checks for symptoms of senescence alteration (VS), petal color variation, and endogenous ethylene production were registered daily. The β-CD-NS 1:2, β-CD-NS 1:4, and β-CD-NS 1:8 complexes favored decorative value maintenance in carnation cut flowers. In particular, the lowest suspended concentration (0.25 μL L−1) of the β-CD-NS 1:8 complex proved best for maintaining cut flower ornamental quality. β-CD-NS 1:8 treated flowers also appeared longer-lived than those treated with both doses of commercial gaseous 1-MCP. Data on petal color variation and endogenous ethylene production were strictly correlated with VS results. The potential for the formulated 1-MCP-loaded β-CD-NS suspension to induce prolonged vase life was demonstrated. Its use could yield benefits, such as a reduction in total dose and frequency of administration.

Thermal decomposition of mercerized linter cellulose and its acetates obtained from a homogeneous reaction

Cellulose acetates with different degrees of substitution (DS, from 0.6 to 1.9) were prepared from previously mercerized linter cellulose, in a homogeneous medium, using N,N-dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride as a solvent system. The influence of different degrees of substitution on the properties of cellulose acetates was investigated using thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Quantitative methods were applied to the thermogravimetric curves in order to determine the apparent activation energy (Ea) related to the thermal decomposition of untreated and mercerized celluloses and cellulose acetates. Ea values were calculated using Broido's method and considering dynamic conditions. Ea values of 158 and 187 kJ mol-1 were obtained for untreated and mercerized cellulose, respectively. A previous study showed that C6OH is the most reactive site for acetylation, probably due to the steric hindrance of C2 and C3. The C6OH takes part in the first step of cellulose decomposition, leading to the formation of levoglucosan and, when it is changed to C6OCOCH3, the results indicate that the mechanism of thermal decomposition changes to one with a lower Ea. A linear correlation between Ea and the DS of the acetates prepared in the present work was identified.