Explicit modelling of the double‐gate MOSFET with VHDL‐AMS

This paper presents a new compact model for the undoped, long‐channel double‐gate (DG) MOSFET under symmetrical operation. In particular, we propose a robust algorithm for computing the mobile charge density as an explicit function of the terminal voltages. It allows to greatly reduce the computation time without losing any accuracy. In order to validate the analytical model, we have also developed the 2D simulations of a DG MOSFET structure and performed both static and dynamic electrical simulations of the device. Comparisons with the 2D numerical simulations give evidence for the good behaviour and the accuracy of the model. Finally, we present the VHDL‐AMS code of the DG MOSFET model and related simulation results. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Efficient Enantioselective Hydrosilylation of Aryl Ketones Catalyzed by a Chiral BINAP‐Copper(I) Catalyst‐Phenyl(methyl)silane System

The Cu(I)‐chiral diphosphine (BINAP) system was found to efficiently catalyze the hydrosilylation of aryl alkyl ketones with excellent enantioselectivities by using phenyl(methyl)silane as stoichiometric hydride source.     

Effects of indoor drinking water handling on trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids

In this study, different tap water handling strategies were investigated to evaluate the effects on two principal chlorinated DBPs, trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Tap water samples collected in the Quebec City (Canada) distribution system on a spatio-temporal basis were subjected to diverse indoor handling scenarios: storing water in the refrigerator, boiling water followed by storage and, finally, filtering water with a point-of-use commercial pitcher also followed by storage. In the first two cases, the use of covered and uncovered pitchers was investigated separately, while in the last case, both the use of new and used filters was compared. In all cases, maximum storage time was 48h. Results demonstrated that in some cases, water handling scenarios have considerable effect, and in other cases, little or no effect. Removal of THM concentrations by simple storage was high (on average 30%) and very high by boiling and filtering with subsequent storage in the refrigerator (on average, 87% and 92%, respectively). In scenarios where water was stored in uncovered pitchers (with or without previous boiling and filtering), the THM decrease was higher for increased storage times. However, storage did not have any effect on HAAs, whereas boiling decreased levels of trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) (on average 42%) and increased levels of dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) (on average 35%), resulting in unchanged average levels of total HAAs. The use of the filtration pitcher decreased HAA levels dramatically (on average 66%). Percentages of change in chlorinated DBPs in the different scenarios varied according to initial concentrations in tap water (baseline water), that is, according to the spatio-temporal variations of these substances in the distribution system. On the basis of these results, the paper discusses implications regarding public health protection and exposure assessment for epidemiological studies.     

Mercury methylation and bacterial activity associated to tropical phytoplankton

The methylated form of mercury (Hg), methylmercury (MeHg), is one of the most toxic pollutants. Biotic and/or abiotic methylation, often associated to sulfate-reducing bacteria metabolism, occurs in aquatic environments and in many tropical areas, mostly in the periphyton associated to floating macrophyte roots. Data about mercury methylation by phytoplankton are scarce and the aim of this study was to verify the biotic influence in the methylation process in Microcystis aeruginosa and Sineccocystis sp. laboratory strains and in natural populations of phytoplankton from two different aquatic systems, the mesotrophic Ribeir?o das Lajes reservoir and hypereutrophic oligohaline Jacarepaguá lagoon, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Adapted radiochemical techniques were used to measure sulfate-reduction, mercury methylation and bacterial activity in phytoplankton samples. Methyl-(203)Hg formation from added inorganic (203)Hg and (3)H-Leucine uptake were measured by liquid scintillation as well as sulfate-reduction, estimated as H(2)(35)S produced from added Na(2)(35)SO(4). There was no significant difference in low methylation potentials (0.37%) among the two cyanobacterium species studied in laboratory conditions. At Ribeir?o das Lajes reservoir, there was no significant difference in methylation, bacterial activity and sulfate-reduction of surface sediment between the sampling points. Methylation in sediments (3-4%) was higher than in phytoplankton (1.5%), the opposite being true for bacterial activity (sediment mean 6.6 against 150.3 nmol gdw(-1) h(-1) for phytoplankton samples). At Jacarepaguá lagoon, an expressive bacterial activity (477.1 x 10(3) nmol gdw(-1) h(-1) at a concentration of 1000 nM leucine) and sulfate-reduction ( approximately 21% H(2)(35)S trapped) associated to phytoplankton (mostly cyanobacteria M. aeruginosa) was observed, but mercury methylation was not detected.     

Oleoyl‐ethanolamide (OEA): A bioactive lipid derived from oleic acid and phosphatidylethanol‐amine

Fatty acid ethanolamides are lipid compounds with biological activities. Among them, oleoyl‐ethanolamide (OEA) has attracted a great deal of interest because of its biological properties. OEA is found in low amount in foodstuffs, but mainly stems from endogenous synthesis. In rodents, intraperitoneal administration of OEA induces satiety and peripheral utilization of lipid substrate. Both in vitro studies and knock‐out animal models have revealed some mechanisms of action, such as PPARα signaling, selected neuron activation and endocrine (ghrelin) signaling. The proximal intestine seems to be a target organ for satiety control. Acute oral administration also induces satiety. Further studies are still required to better address the physiological impact of both oral and intraperitoneal OEA when administrated in the long term.     

Effect of dietary lipid sources on odour‐active compounds in muscle of turbot (Psetta maxima)

Odour‐active compounds in muscle of turbot (Psetta maxima) fed experimental diets containing fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SO) or linseed oil (LO) were investigated by a gas chromatography/olfactometry technique. Thirty‐one areas associated with odours were detected in muscle extracts. Among the compounds responsible for these odours, 23 were formed by oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. Independently of diet, (E)‐2‐penten‐1‐ol and (E)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol contribute strongly to the odour of turbot. (E,Z)‐2,6‐Nonadienal, (E)‐2‐pentenal and (E,E)‐1,3‐(Z)‐5‐octatriene seem to contribute strongly to the odour of turbot fed diets containing high levels of n‐3 PUFA (FO and LO groups). Hexanal and decanal show a high detection frequency in turbot fed diets containing vegetable oils. Odorous compounds which are not formed by lipid oxidation (methional, 1‐acetyl pyrazine, 4‐ethyl benzaldehyde and 2‐acetyl‐2‐thiazoline) were not affected by dietary lipid sources. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Acetyldiaminobutanoic acid,a potential lathyrogenic amino acid in leaves of Acacia angustissima

Acacia angustissima has potential in agroforestry systems for forage production in tropical environments. However, feeding trials indicate that the leaves are potentially toxic. Signs of toxicity in sheep are similar to those presented by sheep fed flatpea (Lathyrus sylvestris) hay which contains a high concentration of the non‐protein amino acid 2,4‐diaminobutanoic acid (DABA). Cation exchange chromatography, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and NMR were used to isolate and identify the non‐protein amino acid in A angustissima leaves. A quantitative HPLC method was used to determine the content of the non‐protein amino acid in leaves from 20 accessions. The non‐protein amino acid was identified as 4‐N‐acetyl‐2,4‐diaminobutanoic acid (ADAB), previously reported to occur in seeds. The average and range in ADAB content were 16.8 and 10.6–25.4 mg g^?1 respectively. This content of ADAB is higher than the levels of DABA in flatpea hay that are toxic to sheep. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

The process dynamics of filler retention in paper using a CPAM/bentonite retention aid system

In an effort to develop robust control strategies for the wet‐end of papermaking, an experimental program was carried out to model the dynamic behaviour of the filler retention in paper using a Fourdrinier pilot paper machine and a cationic poly(acrylamide)/bentonite retention aid system. A dynamic simulation model of the pilot paper machine was developed from first‐principles. To describe the wet‐end chemistry effect, the first‐pass retention was included in the model as a new independent variable. The important factors affecting the dynamics of the wet‐end are first‐pass retention and the parameters related to the white water circulation.     

Highly selective synthesis of 2‐butoxy ethanol over Mg/Al/V mixed oxides catalysts derived from hydrotalcites

The catalytic activity of a series of mixed oxides obtained by the thermal decomposition of hydrotalcite‐like precursors was assessed for the alkoxylation of n-butanol with ethylene oxide. The calcination products of a decavanadate intercalated magnesium–aluminium layered double hydroxide were shown to possess extremely high activity for the alkoxylation reaction achieving up to 100% conversion in batch reaction. In all cases, the catalysts exhibit a much higher selectivity towards the monoglycol adduct than that obtained with the industrial catalyst. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The employment of strontium to activate mouse oocytes: effects on spermatid-injection outcome

The present research investigated the effects of various strontium concentrations, in combination with different incubation periods, on mouse parthenogentic oocyte activation and blastocyst development. The results for blastocyst development showed a trend indicating that 10 mM strontium for 3 h was the optimal strontium protocol. Ethanol, an agent that incites oocyte activation via a monotonic rise in calcium, was employed as a control. The outcome of blastocyst formation arising from parthenogenic ethanol activation was significantly less (P < 0.001) than that achieved by the optimal strontium protocol. To assess the impact of strontium oocyte activation on embryo viability following fertilization with immature germ cells, the protocol of 10 mM strontium for 3 h was applied to oocytes injected with round spermatids and then compared with other protocols. The results indicate that following round-spermatid injection the benefits derived from strontium artificial oocyte activation are evident during both pre- and post-implantation development. However, in order to adjust the protocol to the most effective round-spermatid injection in relation to the oocyte cell cycle, injection was done 1.5 h after strontium activation followed by another 1.5 h activation in strontium. The implementation of round-spermatid injection in combination with this oocyte-activation protocol led to live-birth outcomes not significantly different to those outcomes obtained by mature spermatozoa.