Kinetic and reaction mechanisms of calcium bisulfite catalytic oxidation

In this paper, the oxidation of calcium bisulfite in the presence of ferrous ions as a catalyst is studied in a laboratory scale apparatus at a fixed oxygen partial pressure (21.3 kPa) and at a temperature of 45 °C. The analysis of the experimental results, carried out by using the theory of mass transfer with chemical reaction, indicates that the slow reaction regime has been explored, and the transition from the kinetic to the diffusional subregime identified. A kinetic analysis allows to develop a reaction rate equation, assuming that the bisulfite oxidation in the presence of ferrous ions follows a parallel reaction mechanism; the resulting overall reaction rate has been found to be of first order with respect to ferrous ion concentration and of three halves with respect to bisulfite concentration. Moreover, the catalytic effect of ferrous ions has been compared with that of manganese ions previously studied, showing that ferrous is a catalyst more active than manganese.     

Relationship between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Psoriasis: A Novel Hepato-Dermal Axis?

Over the past 10 years, it has become increasingly evident that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multisystem disease that affects multiple extra-hepatic organ systems and interacts with the regulation of several metabolic and immunological pathways. In this review we discuss the rapidly expanding body of clinical and epidemiological evidence supporting a strong association between NAFLD and chronic plaque psoriasis. We also briefly discuss the possible biological mechanisms underlying this association, and discuss treatment options for psoriasis that may influence NAFLD development and progression. Recent observational studies have shown that the prevalence of NAFLD (as diagnosed either by imaging or by histology) is remarkably higher in psoriatic patients (occurring in up to 50% of these patients) than in matched control subjects. Notably, psoriasis is associated with NAFLD even after adjusting for metabolic syndrome traits and other potential confounding factors. Some studies have also suggested that psoriatic patients are more likely to have the more advanced forms of NAFLD than non-psoriatic controls, and that psoriatic patients with NAFLD have more severe psoriasis than those without NAFLD. In conclusion, the published evidence argues for more careful evaluation and surveillance of NAFLD among patients with psoriasis.     

Fluidized state gelation of ceramic microspheres: Feasibility study of a continuous process and analysis of the chemical dehydration phenomena

A continuous gelation process for producing aluminum and zirconium hydroxide microparticles was conceived and tested in a lab‐scale apparatus. Fluidized state was devised as an appropriate hydrodynamic configuration to maintain the reacting sol microdrops suspended: stable non‐coalescing spherical gel particles in a size range quite below 100 μm were produced via gelation. The microspheres produced by a subsequent calcination step showed a diameter ranging between 2 μm and 20 μm. This powder, without further size classification, was an optimal product to manufacture test specimens by sintering. Measurements on the mechanical properties, such as toughness, flexural strength and hardness, classified the test bars as a very promising ceramic material. In order to enlighten the chemical drying phenomenon and devise the main governing mechanisms acting in the gelation reaction, an extremely simplified experimental system was set. A single drop of sol was deposited into a given amount of the dehydrating liquid medium and observed by an optical microscope; image analysis permitted us to identify the gel formation, the size reduction kinetics, as well as secondary phenomena.     

An experimental investigation of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis over washcoated metallic structured supports

In principle, the application of monolithic catalysts to the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis can solve many of the problems related to the classical Fischer–Tropsch reactors, in particular concerning the necessity to operate with short diffusion distances and low pressure drops, preferably according to the ideal plug-flow behavior, while still maintaining a reasonable inventory of catalytic material in the reactor volume.The preparation of prototype cobalt-based catalysts, washcoated onto metallic structured supports with different geometries, is described herein, together with the evaluation of the catalytic properties of such systems in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis at industrially relevant process conditions (220–235 °C, 20 bar, 2.1  mol_H2/mol_CO,  5000 cm³(STP)_CO+H2/h/g_cat). Comparative tests with the same catalyst in the powdered form were also carried out at the same process conditions.It was found that the structured catalysts maintained the activity and the selectivity of the original powdered catalyst, provided that the washcoat thickness is sufficiently thin.     

水泵水轮机泵工况下近设计点驼峰现象的流动机理研究*

中高比转速水泵水轮机泵工况下近设计点驼峰严重制约了其稳定运行范围,是制约抽水蓄能电站安全与经济运行的关键问题之一。作为流动问题的宏观表现,驼峰现象必然与水泵水轮机内部的非定常流动存在密切关系。为此,基于试验和数值模拟,对水泵水轮机泵工况下可调导叶流道内的非定常流动进行研究,探究模型机泵工况下的压力脉动特性、非定流动机理及与性能曲线稳定性之间的关系。结果表明：在设计和小于设计工况下,可调导叶流道内均存在两种显著的周期性压力脉动。模型机泵工况下的流量扬程曲线在0.45~0.75倍设计流量区间内出现驼峰,频域分析清晰地揭示了以上两种压力脉动是对该驼峰存在重要影响的流动参量。     

Signalling chains with probe and adjust learning

Many models explain the evolution of signalling in repeated stage games on social networks, differently in this study each signalling game evolves a communication strategy to transmit information across the network. Specifically, I formalise signalling chain games as a generalisation of Lewis' signalling games, where a number of players are placed on a chain network and play a signalling game in which they have to propagate information across the network. I show that probe and adjust learning allows the system to develop communication conventions, but it may temporarily perturb the system out of conventions. Through simulations, I evaluate how long the system takes to evolve a signalling convention and the amount of time it stays in it. This discussion presents a mechanism in which simple players can evolve signalling across a social network without necessarily understanding the entire system.     

The effect of operating and design parameter on bubble column performance: The LOPROX case study

It is known that the performances of multi-phase reactors depend on the operating parameters (the temperature and the pressure of the system), the phase properties, and the design parameters (the aspect ratio (AR), the bubble column diameter, and the gas sparger design). Hence, the precise design and the correct operation of multi-phase reactors depends on the understanding and prediction of the fluid dynamics parameters. This paper contributes to the existing discussion on the effect of operating and design parameter on multi-phase reactors and, in particular, it considers an industrial process (e.g., the LOPROX (low pressure oxidation) case study, which is typical example of two-phase bubble columns). Based on a previously-validated set of correlations, the influence of operating and design parameter on system performances is studied and critically analyzed. First, we studied the effects of the design parameter on the liquid–gas interfacial area, by keeping constant the fluid physical–chemical properties as well as the operating conditions; subsequently, we discussed for a fixed system design, the influence of the liquid phase properties and the operating pressure. In conclusion, this paper is intended to provide guidelines for the design and scale-up of multi-phase reactors.     

Differences in PARP Inhibitors for the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: Mechanisms of Action,Pharmacology, Safety,and Efficacy

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) are proteins responsible for DNA damage detection and signal transduction. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) are able to interact with the binding site for PARP cofactor (NAD+) and trapping PARP on the DNA. In this way, they inhibit single-strand DNA damage repair. These drugs have been approved in recent years for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Although they share some similarities, from the point of view of the chemical structure and pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic properties, these drugs also have some substantial differences. These differences may underlie the different safety profiles and activity of PARPi.     

Electrochemical corrosion behavior of LDX 2101® duplex stainless steel in a fluoride-containing environment

The effect of fluoride on the electrochemical corrosion behavior of an LDX 2101® duplex stainless steel (DSS) was studied. Open-circuit potential (E_OC) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were carried out in artificial saliva and with the addition of fluoride (1 wt% NaF). The electrochemical corrosion behavior of the AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel (SS) was also evaluated for comparison. Both open-circuit potential and EIS results indicate that DSS and austenitic SS undergo spontaneous passivation due to spontaneously formed oxide film passivating the metallic surface, in the simulated aggressive environments. However, LDX 2101® exhibits superior corrosion resistance as compared with AISI 316L, and this improvement is ascribed to the formation of a passive film which shows a higher protective effect than the one formed on AISI 316L.