Micromechanics of Tension‐Compression Asymmetry of Polycrystalline Shape‐Memory‐Alloys

The asymmetry associated with martensitic transformations observed in tension/compression experiments of shape‐memory‐alloys (SMAs) is investigated on the basis of a recently suggested micromechanical model. The approach is based on crystallographic theory and utilizes a framework of energy minimization in a finite deformation context. Polycrystalline NiTi under tension demonstrates smaller phase‐transformation start‐strain, differe phase‐transformation stress‐levels and flatter phase‐transformation stress‐strain slopes than that under compression in our numerical simulation. The phase‐transformation start‐stress is followed to have a linear relationship with respect to the temperature within a certain range. These results agree well with experimental results reported in the literature.     

A combined finite element-state space modeling environment forinduction motors in the ABC frame of reference: the blocked-rotor andsinusoidally energized load conditions

The combined finite element-state space (CFE-SS) modeling environment was used to predict the performance of a 1.2 hp, three-phase case-study squirrel cage induction motor under blocked rotor and typical load operating conditions. The nature of this CFE-SS environment allows one to rigorously account for the impact of space harmonics generated by the magnetic circuit, winding, and cage geometric, as well as layout peculiarities and magnetic saturation, on the current and torque profiles, and ohmic losses in the stator armature and cage. This includes the ability to predict the profiles of connector and bar currents. The results of the CFE-SS simulations compare favorably with blocked rotor and load experimental test data. Potential capabilities of this CFE-SS modeling environment, and its use in impacting motor design decisions, are discussed in the light of reported findings     

A combined finite element-state space modeling environment forinduction motors in the ABC frame of reference: the no-load condition

A combined finite element state-space modeling environment capable of predicting no-load induction motor performance is introduced. The authors focus on the model derivation and the no-load simulation. The model is based on the natural ABC frame of reference and includes full effects of discrete winding layouts, magnetic saturation, and space harmonics. The model does not require the existence of actual motor hardware. The method is totally flexible and allows the design engineer to answer what-if questions before any resources are committed to prototyping. The method was shown to produce motor parameter results which correlate very well with corresponding test data of an example 1.2 hp 200 V three-phase induction motor     

Development and characterization of a mucoadhesive sublingual formulation for pain control: extemporaneous oxycodone films in personalized therapy

Objective: The aim of this work was the development of mucoadhesive sublingual films, prepared using a casting method, for the administration of oxycodone.

Materials and methods: A solvent casting method was employed to prepare the mucoadhesive films. A calibrated pipette was used to deposit single aliquots of different polymeric solutions on a polystyrene plate lid. Among the various tested polymers, hydroxypropylcellulose at low and medium molecular weight (HPC) and pectin at two different degrees of esterification (PC) were chosen for preparing solutions with good casting properties, capable of producing films suitable for mucosal application.

Results and discussion: The obtained films showed excellent drug content uniformity and stability and rapid drug release, which, at 8?min, ranged from 60% to 80%. All films presented satisfactory mucoadhesive and mechanical properties, also confirmed by a test on healthy volunteers, who did not experience irritation or mucosa damages. Pectin films based on pectin at lower degrees of esterification have been further evaluated to study the influence of two different amounts of drug on the physicochemical properties of the formulation. A slight reduction in elasticity has been observed in films containing a higher drug dose; nevertheless, the formulation maintained satisfactory flexibility and resistance to elongation.

Conclusions: HPC and PC sublingual films, obtained by a simple casting method, could be proposed to realize personalized hospital pharmacy preparations on a small scale.     

Flow boiling in microchannels and microgravity

A critical review of the state of the art of research on internal forced convection boiling in microchannels and in microgravity conditions is the main object of the present paper.     

3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexanols and derived esters: green synthetic procedures, odour evaluation and in vitro skin cytotoxicity assays

The alcohols 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanols (cis, trans epimers, cosmetic fragrance) and some derived esters, potential and well-known actives in the cosmetic field, such as Homosalate, were synthesized using fast solvent-free methodologies with the aim of renewing and simplifying the conventional procedures. The alcohols were prepared by reduction of 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanone (dihydroisophorone) with sodium borohydride/alumina in solid state. The esters from propanoic, butanoic, octanoic, 10-undecenoic, cyclopropanecarboxylic, mandelic and salicylic acids were synthesized with microwave-mediated solvent-free procedures under acidic and basic catalysis. Several experiments were carried out to study advantages and limits of the selected methodologies and the results are reported. Microwave irradiation was carried out using a scientific monomode reactor. In order to evaluate the cosmetic interest of the studied compounds, the sweet-scented substances were submitted to an odour evaluation test; the most promising fragrances and the ester from 10-undecenoic acid, as an example of lipophilic derivatives, were tested to assess their in vitro skin toxicity. Résumé     

Eco-friendly methodologies for the synthesis of some aromatic esters, well-known cosmetic ingredients

Solid-liquid solvent-free phase transfer catalysis (PTC) and acidic catalysis in dry media were applied, with noticeable improvement and simplification over classical procedures in a Green Chemistry context, to the synthesis of some aromatic esters useful as cosmetic ingredients: 3-methylbutyl 4-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate and 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, well-known ultraviolet B sunscreen filters; 4-isopropylbenzyl salicylate, UV absorber and cutaneous antilipoperoxidant; propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and butyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (parabens), antimicrobial agents. The reactions were performed under microwave (MW) activation and conventional heating. The best results for the synthesis of cinnamic, salicylic and 4-(dimethylamino)benzoic esters were achieved by in situ preformed carboxylates alkylation with alkyl bromides using PTC. The 4-hydroxybenzoates were obtained in good yields by classical esterification of the acid with alcohols using a simple heterogeneous mixture of reagents with catalytic amounts of p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA). The comparisons of yields and thermal profiles under either MW or conventional heating were studied and reported.     

Inhibition by carboxylic acids of an o-diphenol oxidase from Prunus avium fruits

Aromatic carboxylic acids strongly inhibited 4-methylcatechol oxidation by an o-diphenol oxidase extracted from sweet cherry fruits (Prunus avium). Esterification of the acids decreased their inhibitory strength. Inhibitors containing the benzene nucleus showed a greater effectiveness than the corresponding aliphatic and heterocyclic compounds (except 2-naphthalenecarboxylic acid). Similar inhibitory effects were observed by replacing the benzene ring with a highly unsaturated open chain. The inhibitory properties of benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid were investigated. It is proposed that the catalytic and inhibitory sites are close together in the enzyme molecule.     

Green procedure for the preparation of scented alcohols from carbonyl compounds

Several alcohols--interesting as cosmetic fragrances whose main preparative route on an industrial scale or in the research laboratory is the reduction of the corresponding carbonyl compound--were obtained by a solvent-free methodology in a green chemistry context. The process involves the simple mixing of the carbonyl compound with sodium borohydride dispersed in wet alumina in the solid state; the conversions of the carbonyl compounds were obtained in good yields within short reaction times, without energy consumption. The following carbinols were studied: octan-3-ol, 2-cineolylols (endo-exo mixture), alpha-ionol, 4-methylbenzyl alcohol, 1-phenylethanol, trans-cinnamyl alcohol, p-anisyl alcohol, 4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ol.