A study of behavioural groupings of polyphenolic species in "fino" sherry wine. Evolution during vinification and mechanical treatment of the grape

The different groups and/or classes among phenolic acids and aldehydes identified during the elaboration process of "fino" sherry wine have been studied. The study was carried out using different processes during the elaboration of the wine and we have attempted to establish whether the different treatments of the grape affect these groupings. The study was undertaken by means of cluster and multifactorial analysis on the data obtained by the quantitative determination of phenolic acids and aldehydes during vinification and in experiments carried out on the grape under different mechanical treatments. The analysis of phenolic acids and aldehydes was done with HPLC, using a C-18 mu-Bondapak and a stepwise composite gradient. The samples were previously extracted with ethylic ether.     

An algorithm for solving sparse Nonlinear Least Squares problems

We introduce a new method for solving Nonlinear Least Squares problems when the Jacobian matrix of the system is large and sparse. The main features of the new method are the following:

1. The Gauss-Newton equation is “partially” solved at each iteration using a preconditioned Conjugate Gradient algorithm.
2. The new point is obtained using a two-dimensional trust region scheme, similar to the one introduced by Bulteau and Vial.

We prove global and local convergence results and we present some numerical experiments.     

Multidisciplinary optimization of gas-quenching process

Distortion as a result of the quenching process is predominantly due to the thermal gradient and phase transformations within the component. Compared with traditional liquid quenching, the thermal boundary conditions during gas quenching are relatively simple to control. By adjusting the gas-quenching furnace pressure, the flow speed, or the spray nozzle configuration, the heat-transfer coefficients can be designed in terms of both the component geometry and the quenching time. The purpose of this research is to apply the optimization methodology to design the gas-quenching process. The design objective is to minimize the distortion caused by quenching. Constraints on the average surface hardness, and its distribution and residual stress are imposed. The heat-transfer coefficients are used as design variables. DEFORM-HT is used to predict material response during quenching. The response surface method is used to obtain the analytical models of the objective function and constraints in terms of the design variables. Once the response surfaces of the objective and constraints are obtained, they are used to search for the optimum heat-transfer coefficients. This process is then used instead of the finite-element analysis. A one-gear blank case study is used to demonstrate the optimization scheme.     

Improved corrosion protection of aluminum alloys by electrodeposited silanes

Organofunctional silanes recently have emerged as outstanding, environmentally friendly corrosion protectors for metal substrates, compared with conventional chromate treatments. A simple immersion technique is typically used to coat the metal surface with silane films. However, the thickness and uniformity of the films are uncontrolled in this process. This paper proposes a new deposition technique for the silane films on the metal surface, i.e., by electrodeposition. Hydrolyzed silanes are water-soluble, ionized molecules, so they can be deposited on metals by electrodeposition. Various combinations of silane mixtures were tested at different voltages, pH values, bath concentrations, and exposure times on panels of alloy aluminum and mirror-polished ferro-plate. The surface structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ellipsometry. The resistance of the film to corrosion was investigated by direct current (DC) polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Electrodeposition results in a more organized and uniform film with fewer pores, compared with immersed or dipped films. This paper was presented at the 2nd International Surface Engineering Congress sponsored by ASM International, on September 15–17, 2003, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and appears on pp. 320–26 of the Proceedings.     

The distribution of grain boundary planes in polycrystals

During the last ten years, techniques have been developed to measure the distribution of grain boundaries in polycrystals as a function of both lattice misorientation and grain boundary plane orientation. This paper presents a brief overview of the techniques used for these measurements and the principle findings of studies implementing these techniques. The most significant findings are that grain boundary plane distributions are anisotropic, that they are scale invariant during normal grain growth, that the most common grain boundary planes are those with low surface energies, that the grain boundary populations are inversely correlated with the grain boundary energy, and that the coincident site lattice number is a poor predictor of the grain boundary energy and population.     

Current oscillations in austenitic stainless steel induced by the presence of chloride ions

The conditions for current oscillations in austenitic stainless steel (AISI Type 303) in 1M H₂SO₄ containing Cl^? ions are given. The periodic oscillations are produced in a close potential range determined at the active-passive transition region. It requires a non-homogeneous distribution of inclusions and carbides at the metal surface and a concentration range of Cl^? ion where active and passive areas coexist on the metal surface. The constraints at the surface determining these two regions are related to the Cl^? ion competitive adsorption and the local accumulation of corrosion products. Electrochemical data and SEM observations are correlated.     

Initial stages of tin electrodeposition from sulfate baths in the presence of gluconate

Tin electrodeposition in its initial stages in acid sulfate/gluconate baths was studied with varying tin and gluconate concentrations using potential-controlled electrochemical techniques. The deposit morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A comparison with tin electrodeposition from acid sulfate baths in the absence of gluconate was also carried out. Use of a highly acidic bath leads to nonuniform deposits, even in the presence of gluconate; at pH 4 deposits are uniform, brilliant and suitable for finishing applications. Tin crystallites have a well defined morphology which depends on bath agitation conditions. In the absence of agitation, the crystallites have the same tetragonal shape as in a sulfate bath without gluconate.     

The role of the surface free energy in the selection of a suitable excipient in the course of a wet-granulation method

Pellets containing metronidazole were produced in a centrifugal granulator, with hydroxypropylcellulose (Klucel LF®) as binding agent, and corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose (Vivapur 101®) and lactose as excipients. The wettability of the pharmaceutical powders was assessed by means of contact angle measurements, and the dispersive and polar surface energies were determined. The spreading coefficients, the work of adhesion and the work of cohesion were calculated and correlated with the pellet properties (friability, bulk and tapped density, and porosity). The aim was to investigate the role of the surface free energy of one- and two-component powder compositions in pellet production. The interactions between the particles were found to be connected with the measured pellet parameters. It was concluded that, in the course of the growth of the pellets, the particle sizes of the pharmaceutical powders and the interactions between them are important. If the work of cohesion of the binder is lower than the work of cohesion of the substrate and the work of adhesion, then the optimal amount of the binding agent is that which coats the particles uniformly in minimal quantity and in continuous layer.     

Preparation of Protein-Stabilized β-Carotene Nanodispersions by Emulsification–Evaporation Method

This work was initiated to prepare protein-stabilized β-carotene nanodispersions using emulsification–evaporation. A pre-mix of the aqueous phase composed of a protein and hexane containing β-carotene was subjected to high-pressure homogenization using a microfluidizer. Hexane in the resulting emulsion was evaporated under reduced pressures, causing crystallization and precipitation of β-carotene inside the droplets and formation of β-carotene nanoparticles. Sodium caseinate (SC) was the most effective emulsifier among selected proteins in preparing the nanodispersion, with a monomodal β-carotene particle-size distribution and a 17-nm mean particle size. The results were confirmed by transmission-electron microscopy analysis. SC-stabilized nanodispersion also had considerably high ζ-potential (−27 mV at pH 7), suggesting that the nanodispersion was stable against particle aggregation. Increasing the SC concentration decreased the mean particle size and improved the polydispersity of the nanodispersions. Nanodispersions prepared with higher β-carotene concentrations and higher organic-phase ratios resulted in larger β-carotene particles. Although increased microfluidization pressure did not decrease particle size, it did improve the polydispersity of the nanodispersions. Repeating the microfluidization process at 140 MPa caused the nanodispersions to become polydisperse, indicating the loss of emulsifying capacity of SC due to protein denaturation.     

Surface Areas of Nitrated Hydrotalcites

Hydrotalcites in the nitrate form were prepared using microwave irradiation in the hydrotreatment step. The surface area (BET) of nitrated hydrotalcites was evaluated. Solids were characterized by atomic absorption, X-ray diffraction and BET analysis. Thermal pretreatment temperature determined the surface area of the hydrotalcites.