Kinetic investigation of the NO reduction by H2 over noble metal based catalysts

This paper reports a kinetic investigation of the overall reduction of NO by H₂ over supported palladium based catalysts. Drastic changes in the kinetic features of Pd were found after deposition on reducible LaCoO₃ materials in comparison with alumina. Peculiar interactions between palladium and LaCoO₃ build up during a pre-activation thermal treatment in H₂ at high temperature which completely modify the kinetic behaviour of Pd. In such a case, a classical Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism, previously proposed on Pd/Al₂O₃, is unable to model steady-state rate measurements on pre-reduced Pd/LaCoO₃. A bi-functional mechanism involving anionic vacancies at the vicinity of palladium particles leads to a better agreement.     

Validation of a Model of Plastic Deformation of C‐Mn Steels in the Two‐Phase Temperature Region

The paper describes the validation of a thermal‐mechanical‐microstructural model of deformation of carbon‐manganese steels in the two‐phase temperature region. The model has been developed on the basis of dilatometric and plastometric tests performed for a wide range of temperatures and strain rates. Dilatometric tests were used to identify the phase transformation model and plastometric tests were used to identify the flow stress model. Inverse analysis was applied to find the parameters of the models which were further implemented into a finite element code. Numerical simulations of the deformation of steels in the two‐phase temperature range were performed. Multi‐stage plane strain compression tests were performed to validate the model. The samples were quenched after subsequent stages of the tests and metallographic analysis was performed. Predicted loads, grain size and volume fractions of the microstructural components were compared with measurements and the coefficients in the models were updated.     

Some Fungi and Water Molds in Waters of Lake Michigan with Emphasis on Those Associated with the Benthic Amphipod Diporeia spp.

To determine types of fungi in the water and associated with the benthic amphipod Diporeia spp., samples were collected at various depths in Lake Michigan in an area where the Diporeia population was in a severe state of decline. No fungi were found associated with living, freshly-dead, or dried Diporeia cultured separately from Lake Michigan water. When dead Diporeia and other organic substrates (snake skin and hemp seeds) were used to grow fungi in Lake Michigan water, a rich and diverse fungal and water mold community was revealed. A total of 31 species were found, with the most common genera being Achlya, Aphanomyces, Myzocytium, and Pythium. In general, species were homogeneously distributed in the water; that is, few differences were found in species richness between nearshore (10–15 m) and offshore (60–80 m) waters, and between near-surface (1 m) and near-bottom waters (1 m off bottom). Sampling occurred during the unstratified period (April and October) to maximize the number of species collected, which may have contributed to the uniform spatial pattern observed. While conclusions must be placed in context with our methods of detection, we found no evidence that a fungal infestation was associated with Diporeia in this region of the lake.     

Reliability analysis in building physics design

The idea of reliability analysis in building physics design is presented. Reliability of building performance is described in terms of the probability of exceeding the critical values by the physical measures as a result of the changes of physical state of a building due to variations of climatic, structural or serviceability parameters.     

Comparison of Quercetin Pharmacokinetics Following Oral Supplementation in Humans

Abstract: The objective of the study was to investigate the absorption of quercetin aglycone in 18 healthy human subjects administered via the following oral carrier systems: suspension of quercetin (quercetin QU995 powder in Tang^® and spring water), nutritional bars (First Strike?), and chews (RealFX? Q‐Plus?). Subjects were divided into 3 groups of 6 individuals each receiving 500 mg quercetin in one of the aforementioned formulations. Blood levels were monitored immediately pre‐ and for 32 h postadministration. The concentration of total quercetin in blood samples was determined by solid phase extraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by noncompartmental modeling using Kinetica software. The C_max of quercetin was highest with RealFX? Q‐Plus? Chews (1051.9 ± 393.1 μg/L) achieved within 3.3 h as compared to that for First Strike? Bars (698.1 ± 189.5 μg/L in 2.3 h) and Tang^® suspension (354.4 ± 87.6 μg/L in 4.7 h). The results showed no statistically significant difference in quercetin absorption among groups due to high variability within groups receiving quercetin from same dosage form. This study represents the first comprehensive evaluation of quercetin absorption from quercetin fortified oral food products at doses commonly used for quercetin supplementation. Practical Application: The current study describes for the first time, comprehensive evaluation of quercetin PK in humans from quercetin fortified oral food products at doses commonly used for quercetin supplementation. Owing to quercetin's potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory actions, quercetin is widely being used as a nutritional supplement. In order to maximize the bioavailability of quercetin for its use in efficacy studies, it is important to determine its ideal oral carrier system and route for its delivery. The current research unveils vital information about quercetin supplementation to the international community, especially to soldiers, athletes, and the dietary supplement industry.     

Optimal design of manufacturing chain based on forging for copper alloys, with product properties being the objective function

The design of manufacturing copper alloys is the objective of the paper. The whole manufacturing chain based on forging is considered. Plastometric tests with various preheating schedules were performed, and rheological models dependent on the material structure were developed. Various manufacturing sequences were considered next. Numerical simulations were performed using CAFE model, and a production schedule, which allows achievement of the required properties and minimum tool wear, was selected. Industrial experiments were performed and the designed technology was validated. Experimental results confirmed correctness of the developed technology.