Negative apparent kinetic order in steady-state kinetics of the water-gas shift reaction over a Pt-CeO2 catalyst

The kinetics of the water-gas shift reaction Were Studied on a 0.2% Pt/CeO2 catalyst between 177 and 300 degrees C over a range of CO and steam pressures. A rate decrease with increasing partial pressure of CO was experimentally observed over this sample, confirming that a negative order in CO can occur under certain conditions at low temperatures. The apparent reaction order of CO measured at 197 degrees C was about -0.27. This value is significantly larger than that (i.e, -0.03) reported by Ribeiro and co-workers [A.A. Phatak, N. Koryabkina, S. Rai, J.L. Ratts, W. Ruettinger, R.J. Farrauto, G.E. Blau, W.N. Delgass, F.H. Ribeiro, Catal. Today 123 (2007) 224] at a similar temperature. A kinetic peculiarity was also evidenced, i.e. a maximum of the reaction rate as a function of the CO concentration or possibly a kinetic break, which is sometimes observed in the oxidation of simple molecules. These observations support the idea that competitive adsorption of CO and H2O play an essential role in the reaction mechanism. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Young Women’s Positive and Negative Perceptions of Self in Northern Ireland

This paper represents analysis of one aspect of a larger research project examining the everyday lives and experiences of young women in Northern Ireland. As an introductory exercise within focus groups, 48 young women considered and discussed the good and not so good things about being a young woman in Northern Ireland. Through these accounts many issues emerged, some in direct contrast and contradiction to one another. The area focused upon for the purpose of this paper is the body, particularly with regard to body image (self-expression versus pressure) and becoming a woman (growing up versus menarche). The aim is to illustrate that what young women cite as being potentially positive aspects of growing up or being a young woman often have negative experiences and implications attached to them. In light of the advancements made by young women in Northern Irish society, an opening of opportunities and their awareness of the persistence of gendered messages regarding their bodies, many young women are of the belief that such messages have less impact upon them today and that gender is a barrier that can be overcome. It is illustrated and argued here, however, that dominant cultural messages regarding women’s bodies are more subtle, confusing and perhaps pervasive than they ever have been. As a consequence, this has created more pressure and confusion for young women and tensions exist in terms of young women’s beliefs and their actions. In light of these research findings, this paper considers practice implications for those working with and for young women.

Carboxyl-terminal modulator protein (CTMP), a negative regulator of PKB/Akt and v-Akt at the plasma membrane

The PKB (protein kinase B, also called Akt) family of protein kinases plays a key role in insulin signaling, cellular survival, and transformation. PKB is activated by phosphorylation on residues threonine 308, by the protein kinase PDK1, and Serine 473, by a putative serine 473 kinase. Several protein binding partners for PKB have been identified. Here, we describe a protein partner for PKB alpha termed CTMP, or carboxyl-terminal modulator protein, that binds specifically to the carboxyl-terminal regulatory domain of PKB alpha at the plasma membrane. Binding of CTMP reduces the activity of PKB alpha by inhibiting phosphorylation on serine 473 and threonine 308. Moreover, CTMP expression reverts the phenotype of v-Akt-transformed cells examined under a number of criteria including cell morphology, growth rate, and in vivo tumorigenesis. These findings identify CTMP as a negative regulatory component of the pathway controlling PKB activity.

SRIF receptor subtype expression and involvement in positive and negative contractile effects of somatostatin-14 (SRIF-14) in ventricular cardiomyocytes.

Background/Aims: Somatostatin-14 (SRIF-14), a neuropeptide co-stored with acetylcholine in the cardiac parasympathetic innervation, exerts both positive and negative influences directly on contraction of ventricular cardiomyocytes, indicative of involvement of more than one of five known SRIF (SSTR) receptor subtypes. The aim was to characterize receptor subtype expression in adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes and to investigate the influence of a series of SRIF (SSTR) subtype-selective agonists on contractile parameters. Methods: mRNA and protein expression of each receptor subtype were quantified by RT-PCR and immunoblotting respectively; for contraction studies, cells were stimulated at 0.5 Hz under basal conditions and in the presence of isoprenaline (ISO, 10-8M). Results: all five SRIF (SSTR) receptor subtypes were expressed in cardiomyocytes although SRIF1A (SSTR2) and SRIF2A (SSTR1) were less abundant than the other subtypes. L803087 (10-8M), a SRIF2B (SSTR4) agonist, attenuated ISO-stimulated peak contractile amplitude and prolonged relaxation time (T50). L796778 (10-7M), a SRIF1C (SSTR3) agonist, augmented basal and ISO-stimulated peak contractile amplitude; L779976 (10-8M) and L817818 (10-9M), agonists at SRIF1A (SSTR2) and SRIF1B (SSTR5) receptors, respectively, also augmented ISO-stimulated peak amplitude. Conclusion: these data support involvement of SRIF2B (SSTR4) receptors in the negative contractile effects of SRIF-14, while one or more of the three SRIF1 receptor subtypes (SSTR2, 3 or 5) may contribute to the positive contractile effects of SRIF-14.

The influence of reusing ‘Formtex’ controlled permeability

The effects of the reuse of ‘Formtex’ Controlled Permeability Formwork (CPF) liner on strength and durability properties of concrete were investigated at two different water-cement ratios and the results are reported in this paper. Test blocks were cast using the CPF on one side and impermeable formwork (IF) on the opposite side of the mould so that direct comparisons could be made between the two. The strength was assessed using the Limpet pulloff tester and both the air permeability and the water absorption (sorptivity) were measured using the Autoclam Permeability System. Both these instruments measured the ‘covercrete’ properties. In addition, cores cut from the test specimens were subjected to an accelerated carbonation test and a chloride exposure test. The results showed that the ‘Formtex’ CPF increases the surface strength and the durability of concrete compared to the IF. There was an almost complete elimination of blowholes. The permeability of concrete decreased and its resistance to the ingress of both carbon dioxide and chlorides increased when CPF was used. The beneficial effects of the Formtex CPF were most evident in concrete of higher water-cement ratio. With the reuse of the Formtex liner twice, that is a total of three uses, the performance of the CPF to improve the properties of concrete remained almost the same. In this research the CPF liner was cleaned thoroughly between each use, which must be adhered to for site applications for reproducing the beneficial effects observed in the laboratory.

MMP expression and abnormal lung permeability are important determinants of outcome in IPF

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade all of the extracellular matrix components of the intersititium and may play a role in abnormal alveolar permeability, which is a feature of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The aims of the present study were to evaluate MMP protein levels in patients with IPF and determine any relationship to treatment and markers of permeability.