An integration architecture for the automation of a continuous production complex

The development of integrated automation systems for continuous production plants is a very complicated process. A variety of factors must be taken into account, such as their different components (e.g., production units control systems, planning systems, financial systems, etc.), the interaction among them, and their different behavior (continuous or discrete). Moreover, the difficulty of this process is increased by the fact that each component can be viewed in a different way depending on the kind of decisions to be made, and its specific behavior. Modeling continuous production complexes as a composition of components, where, in turn, each component may also be a composite, appears to be the simplest and safest way to develop integrated automation systems. In order to provide the most versatile way to develop this kind of system, this work proposes a new approach for designing and building them, where process behavior, operation conditions and equipment conditions are integrated into a hierarchical automation architecture.     

Negligible depletion solid-phase microextraction with radiolabeled analytes to study free concentrations and protein binding: an example with [3H]estradiol

A new method is presented that enables sensitive measurement of free concentrations of radiolabeled ligands. Additionally, protein binding of radiochemicals in complex matrixes can be determined with this new technique that combines negligible depletion solid-phase microextraction (nd-SPME) with liquid scintillation counting (LSC) as detection. [3H]Estradiol was taken as an example compound. Possible matrix effects of protein on fiber uptake kinetics were studied. No matrix effect was found, either by fouling of the fiber, or by changed uptake kinetics. The validity of the method was shown in the determination of the affinity constant (Ka) of estradiol for human serum albumin (HSA). The Ka was estimated at 8.9 x 10(4) M(-1), which corresponds well with literature values. This study shows that nd-SPME is suitable to study the free concentration and protein binding of [3H]estradiol. The method described in this paper combines the advantages of nd-SPME with the advantages of radiolabeled analytes, creating a timesaving, simple, and sensitive analytical tool that will be particularly useful in complex matrixes containing many potential interferences for chromatographic methods.     

Specificity studies of bacillus 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanases and application to glycosynthase-catalyzed transglycosylation

Bacillus 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanases hydrolyze 1,3-1,4-beta-gluco-oligosaccharides with a retaining mechanism. The binding-site cleft of these endoglycosidases is composed of six subsites (-4 to +2) of which subsite -3 makes the largest contribution to transition state stabilization. The specificity of this subsite is here analyzed for both glycosidase and glycosynthase activities in the wild-type and the nucleophile-less E134A mutant Bacillus licheniformis enzymes. A D-galactosyl residue on the nonreducing end of a trisaccharide substrate is accepted by the enzyme and binds at subsite -3 in the productive enzyme-substrate complex. The wild-type enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of the substrate Glcbeta4Glcbeta3GlcbetaMU (Glc=glucosyl, MU=4-methylumbelliferyl) with a k(cat)/K(M) value only 1.3-fold higher than for the Galbeta4Glcbeta3GlcbetaMU (Gal=galactosyl) substrate. The corresponding alpha-fluorides act as good donors for the glycosynthase condensation reaction with mono- and disaccharide acceptors catalyzed by the E134A mutant. Whereas self-condensation and elongation products are also obtained as minor compounds with the Glcbeta4Glcbeta3GlcalphaF donor, nearly quantitative yields of single condensation products are obtained with the Galbeta4Glcbeta3GlcalphaF donor, in which the axial configuration of the 4-OH group on the nonreducing end prevents self-condensation and elongation reactions.     

Estimating the Hydraulic Conductivity of Landfilled Municipal Solid Waste Using the Borehole Permeameter Test

This paper reports the in situ field saturated hydraulic conductivity of municipal solid waste at a landfill in Florida. The saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) was estimated at 23 locations using the borehole permeameter test, a method commonly used for determination of the Ks of unsaturated soil. The Ks of the landfilled waste was found to range from 5.4×10?6 to 6.1×10?5?cm/s. The Ks was found to be on the lower end of the range of Ks reported by previous studies. The hydraulic conductivity of the waste decreased with depth, the likely result of greater overburden pressures associated with deep locations of the landfill. Permeability values (kw) of the landfilled waste calculated based on Ks were compared with permeability values estimated using air as the fluid (air permeability, ka). Values of ka were found to be approximately three orders of magnitude greater than those of kw. The lower permeability of the waste to water was primarily attributed to entrapped gas. Other factors such as potential clogging of media and short-circuiting of air along the well may also have contributed to the differences in ka and kw.     

Optimized spectral microwindows for data analysis of the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding on the Environmental Satellite

For data analysis of the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) atmospheric limb emission spectroscopic experiment on Environmental Satellite microwindows, i.e., small spectral regions for data analysis, have been defined and optimized. A novel optimization scheme has been developed for this purpose that adjusts microwindow boundaries such that the total retrieval error with respect to measurement noise, parameter uncertainties, and systematic errors is minimized. Dedicated databases that contain optimized microwindows for retrieval of vertical profiles of pressure and temperature, H(2)O, O(3), HNO(3), CH(4), N(2)O, and NO(2) have been generated. Furthermore, a tool for optimal selection of subsets of predefined microwindows for specific retrieval situations has been provided. This tool can be used further for estimating total retrieval errors for a selected microwindow subset. It has been shown by use of this tool that an altitude-dependent definition of microwindows is superior to an altitude-independent definition. For computational efficiency a dedicated microwindow-related list of spectral lines has been defined that contains only those spectral lines that are of relevance for MIPAS limb sounding observations.     

Constructability State of Practice Report

This report reviews guidance on constructability programs from a variety of sources and presents the current practice of constructability. The advice of several organizations and researchers is summarized to describe expectations for ideal constructability. Actual current constructability practice, based on results and analysis of a Constructability State of Practice survey, is described. Approximately 100 owners, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and construction managers answered the survey’s ten questions and provided written comments. The results provide a picture of current constructability practices in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry and progress in recent years. Major conclusions include: (1) constructability has gained acceptance throughout the industry; (2) constructability efforts are clearly beginning in early project phases; (3) a wide variety of constructability techniques and new technologies are being implemented; and (4) obstacles to improving constructability remain, but may be changing. Finally, recommendations are provided based on areas where constructability practice can still be improved. This report is relevant to both industry practitioners and researchers.     

Age-related changes in the lipid metabolism of Fisher 344 rats

Lipid metabolism of male Fisher 344 rats aged 2–24 months was studied. Serum and liver cholesterol levels did not display the age-related gradual increase seen in other rat strains. An increase in the serum plus liver cholesterol pool from 2 to 6 months was followed by a plateau through 18 months and then another increase at 24 months of age. The triglyceride pool increased from 2 to 6 months and then remained unchanged through 24 months of age. Cholesterol synthesis from acetate decreased 50% between 2 and 9 months and fell only slightly through 24 months of age. Assay of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl Coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase showed a similar pattern but did not decrease further after 9 months of age. Cholesterol 7α hydroxylase activity was not significantly altered by age. These age- and strain-related differences present an opportunity for a comparative study of the aging process using the parameters of lipid metabolism as indicators.     

Role of physical abnormalities in interpersonal perception and behavior.

Explores the impact of physical abnormalities on interpersonal relationships and investigates 1 technique available to the stigmatized to influence that impact. This technique is to indicate that the abnormality may be freely discussed or that it is a forbidden topic. The 60 male undergraduate Ss were introduced to an ostensibly naive student who was in reality a confederate and appeared either as an amputee in a wheelchair or as only slightly crippled. The shocks Ss were induced to administer the confederate were less painful when he was severely than when he was slightly crippled. It was concluded that all stigmata do not have the same interpersonal consequences and that the most marked effects occur for behaviors of which Ss have little awareness. (15 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)