Highly active Cu-ZnO catalysts for the WGS reaction at medium–high space velocities: Effect of the support composition

Cu-ZnO based catalysts are the benchmark materials for the low-temperature WGS reaction. However, they present a crucial drawback which limits their application in portable devices: they only work under very low space velocities. In this study, we have developed a series of multicomponent Cu-ZnO catalysts able to work at relatively high space velocities with outstanding activity and stability. Different reference supports have been utilised with CeO₂-Al₂O₃ being the most promising system. Overall, this work describes a strategy to design advanced Cu-based catalysts that can overcome the residence time restrictions in the WGS reaction.     

Issues for palliative care in rural Australia

A project funded by the Commonwealth Government's National Palliative Care Program examined rural (non remote) palliative care services in eight rural regions of Australia with the aim of identifying sound service delivery models. The research methodology included, development of a palliative care service baseline, postal survey of all services in the selected regions followed by field examinations, and section of four regions for in depth analysis using interviews and group sessions with medical practitioners, clinicians, former carers and service managers. The research established that patients and carers want palliative care services to first address symptom management and pain control. The service should then place experienced care as the next highest priority, in conjunction with the provision of family supports. Service models should aim to deliver services in the home or in environments which are home-like and located close to families. Research has demonstrated that even the smallest hospitals can incorporate a palliative care unit. Palliative care service planning in rural areas needs to make a distinction between the main provincial city in the region and the rural hinterland as different planning approaches will often apply. Palliative care teams should vary according to the nature of the service catchment. Particular attention should be given to the method of providing palliative care nursing expertise in a region. This project concluded that when active treatment is no longer beneficial, palliative services in rural regions are commonly of a high quality, although access to tertiary services remains as a limitation during the pre-palliative treatment phase.     

Allgemeine Biochemie der Lebensmittel

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Buchbesprechungen

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Auditory spatial attention using interaural time differences.

Previous probe-signal studies of auditory spatial attention have shown faster responses to sounds at an expected versus an unexpected location, making no distinction between the use of interaural time difference (ITD) cues and interaural-level difference cues. In 5 experiments, performance on a same–different spatial discrimination task was used in place of the reaction time metric, and sounds, presented over headphones, were lateralized only by an ITD. In all experiments, performance was better for signals lateralized on the expected side of the head, supporting the conclusion that ITDs can be used as a basis for covert orienting. The performance advantage generalized to all sounds within the spatial focus and was not dissipated by a trial-by-trial rove in frequency or by a rove in spectral profile. Successful use by the listeners of a cross-modal, centrally positioned visual cue provided evidence for top-down attentional control. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The diffusion of 14C in nuclear graphites

The high temperature exchange of ¹⁴C between ¹⁴CO and ¹²C-graphite has been used to label a large number of samples of various nuclear graphites. The technique has made it possible to obtain data on the self-diffusion of carbon in graphite. Three nuclear graphites are used, Pile Grade A and two isotropic varieties. Diffusion constants at 2473 K lie in the range 0·64 × 10^?19to 2·97 × 10^?19m²/sec. D₀ values vary from 1 ·20 × 10^?12to 1·06 × 10^?6m²/sec and activation energies, E_a, from 337 to 621 kj/mol. The D values found in this work are lower than those found by other workers. Possible reason for this are examined. Activation energies are also compared with values found by other workers and discussed in relation to theoretical calculations on the activation energy for direct interchange, vacancy and interstitial mechanisms for diffusion. It is concluded that direct interchange is the predominant mechanism for the diffusion of ¹⁴C in the highly graphitised samples used in this work.     

Audio-disc scratch filter

A new method of detecting and removing the audible effects of scratch imperfections on audio discs is described.