Complex Phase Equilibria in Refractories Design and Use

The current applications of phase diagrams and thermodynamic calculations to studies of refractories are reviewed highlighting links to microstructural analyses. Improved understanding of microstructural evolution and chemical corrosion mechanisms has resulted from such work. The limitation of the calculations/diagrams to thermodynamic equilibria has led to imaginative attempts to incorporate some dynamic aspect in them so they are more relevant to practical conditions. These include varying temperature to model a temperature gradient, P _O2 to model atmosphere permeation into a brick, slag/refractory ratio to model slag penetration and altering the slag composition after reaction with the fine matrix phases. The potential future development of such techniques is discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of maltose fatty acid monoesters as biosurfactants

Maltose long-chain fatty acid esters (MFAE), esterified at the 6 and 6′ position, were synthesized with stearic, palmitic, myristic, and oleic groups. Synthesis yields were 15–20% based on initial maltose present, and structural confirmation was obtained using plasma desorption mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These surfactants have surface tensions in the range of 34–36 dyn/cm at their critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of approximately 10⁻⁵–10⁻⁶ mol/L. The increased chain lengths have a marked effect, reducing CMC values for MFAE by approximately three orders of magnitude over similar carbohydrate-based dodecyl chain sources. Within chain lengths between 14 and 18 carbons, the rate of change in CMC is significant and decreases with increasing chain length for MFAE. The melting points of MFAE are approximately 40°C, and the heat capacities range from 1.6 to 1.9 J/g·K. These numbers are comparable to those of sucrose esters, indicating their applicability in similar uses. However, because MFAE, unlike sucrose, possess an anomeric carbohydrate carbon position, these surfactants maintain their reducing nature and are susceptible to further derivatization. They are also synthesized from renewable, economical carbohydrates and lipids and may provide an excellent alternative to pertrochemical-derived products.     

Electrochimie du polynitrure de soufre dans les solvants non aqueux—I. Comportement dans l'acetonitrile

The electrochemical behaviour of polysulphur nitride was studied by cyclic voltametry in alkaline and silver salt acetonitrile solutions. In an alkaline salt solution during the cathodic polarization, superficial degradation of (SN)_x probably gives S₇N^? ions. In a silver perchlorate solution silver deposition was observed. It can be dissolved anodically. During the first anodic polarization, oxidation pic occurs. The quantity of electricity involved during this reaction is a function of the association constant of the electrolyte.     

Adaptive output-feedback stabilization of non-local hyperbolic PDEs

We address the problem of adaptive output-feedback stabilization of general first-order hyperbolic partial integro-differential equations (PIDE). Such systems are also referred to as PDEs with non-local (in space) terms. We apply control at one boundary, take measurements on the other boundary, and allow the system’s functional coefficients to be unknown. To deal with the absence of both full-state measurement and parameter knowledge, we introduce a pre-transformation (which happens to be based on backstepping) of the system into an observer canonical form. In that form, the problem of adaptive observer design becomes tractable. Both the parameter estimator and the control law employ only the input and output signals (and their histories over one unit of time). Prior to presenting the adaptive design, we present the non-adaptive/baseline controller, which is novel in its own right and facilitates the understanding of the more complex, adaptive system. The parameter estimator is of the gradient type, based on a parametric model in the form of an integral equation relating delayed values of the input and output. For the closed-loop system we establish boundedness of all signals, pointwise in space and time, and convergence of the PDE state to zero pointwise in space. We illustrate our result with a simulation.     

Towards a distributed multi-agent framework for shared resources scheduling

Nowadays, manufacturers have to share some of their resources with partners due to the competitive economic environment. The management of the availability periods of shared resources causes a problem because it is achieved by the scheduling systems, which assume a local environment where all resources are on the same site. Therefore, distributed scheduling with shared resources is an important research topic. In this communication, we introduce the architecture and behaviour of DSCEP framework (Distributed, Supervisor, Customer, Environment, and Producer) under shared resources situation with disturbances. We are using a simple example of manufacturing system to illustrate the ability of DSCEP framework to solve the shared resources scheduling problem in complex systems.     

Physiological and behavioral effects of coniferyl benzoate on avian reproduction

Various plant secondary metabolites related to cinnamic acid are of interest because of their repellency to birds and their occurrence in ecologically important food items. Coniferyl benzoate (CB), a phenylpropanoid ester that occurs in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is of particular ecological interest because of its effect on ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) feeding behavior and its possible influence on the population dynamics of this bird. During detoxification processes, CB and other analogous compounds are metabolized into by-products, such as ferulic acid (FA), that can cause anti-reproductive effects. We tested whether consumption of CB produces antire-productive effects similar to FA using male and female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix) as avian models for ruffed grouse. The parameters we investigated included: the production, morphology, and development of eggs; reproductive characteristics influenced by estrogen; serum prolactin levels; and male reproductive behavior. Dietary CB did not produce antireproductive effects similar to FA at intake levels that Japanese quail and ruffed grouse would freely consume. Consumption of CB by Japanese quail significantly reduced egg production and body mass but did not affect male reproductive performance. Coniferyl benzoate's effect on egg production may be explained by lower energy acquisition and retention rather than endocrine changes per se. Contrary to previous reports, it is unlikely that FA, or similar compounds act directly as estrogen mimics or antagonists. Although, CB did reduce egg production in quail, it is unlikely that it would affect egg production in wild ruffed grouse. Detoxification costs and the effects of CB on nutrient utilization may explain why ruffed grouse avoid high dietary levels of CB.     

Curing process of powdered phenol–formaldehyde resol resins and the role of water in the curing systems

The curing behavior of two kinds of commercial powdered resol phenolic resins was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Liquid‐state ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy was used to aid in understanding the curing behavior by detecting the structure of powdered resins. The reaction mechanism was interpreted with the dependency of activation energy on the degree of conversion. The results indicate that there are differences in the curing mechanism between core and face phenolic resins. The curing process of core resin was faster than that of face resin at the same reaction temperature. The water added in the curing system played an important role of plasticizer or diluent according to different curing stages and water content. In the initial curing stage, water mainly diluted the system and retarded the curing reactions. However, at the higher degrees of conversion, water played the role of plasticizer to decrease the effect of diffusion on the curing reactions to make the curing reactions more complete. The excess water added in the curing system played the role of diluent at almost all stages during the curing process. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 1371–1378, 2003     

Chemical inhibitors when timing is critical: a pharmacological concept for the maturation of T cell contacts

Cellular signal transduction proceeds through a complex network of molecular interactions and enzymatic activities. The timing of these molecular events is critical for the propagation of a signal and the generation of a specific cellular response. To define the timing of signalling events, we introduce the combination of high-resolution confocal microscopy with the application of small-molecule inhibitors at various stages of signal transduction in T cells. Inhibitors of Src-family tyrosine kinases and actin dynamics were employed to dissect the role of the lymphocyte-specific tyrosine kinase Lck in the formation and maintenance of T cell receptor/CD3-dependent contacts. Anti-CD3epsilon-coated coverslips served as a highly defined stimulus. The kinetics of the recruitment of the yellow fluorescent protein-tagged signalling protein ZAP-70 were detected by high-resolution confocal microscopy. The analysis revealed that at 5 min after receptor engagement, Lck activity was required for maintenance of contacts. In contrast, after 20 min of receptor engagement, the contacts were Lck-independent. The relevance of the timing of inhibitor application provides a pharmacological concept for the maturation of T cell-substrate contacts.     

Understanding aluminum behaviour in aqueous alkaline solution using coupled techniques: Part I. Rotating ring-disk study

Rotating disk electrode (RDE) and rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) measurements have been undertaken to study the behaviour of pure aluminum electrodes in alkaline media. The measurements did consist of linear sweep voltammetry from anodic to cathodic potentials on 4N, 5N or 5N5-aluminum samples in 4 M aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. In the potential range studied (−0.7 V versus NHE to −2.5 V versus NHE) the aluminum undergoes oxidation/dissolution into aluminates anions at high electrode potential while it yields strong hydrogen evolution at low potentials. Thanks to the RRDE technique, we show that hydrogen starts to evolve from the aluminum electrode even above the open circuit potential. Also, the oxidation state of superficial aluminum varies according to the electrode potential: whereas non-conducting aluminum oxides are present above the open-circuit potential hindering hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), they tend to disappear below the ocp, due to the strong hydrogen evolution, following the probable porous oxide layer blow up induced by the hydrogen bubbles formation. In consequence at very low potential, HER occurs on bare aluminum, HER kinetics being much faster than on oxide-covered aluminum.