Recent advances in catalysts for methanol synthesis via hydrogenation of CO and CO2

Since the start of last century, methanol synthesis has attracted great interests because of its importance in chemical industries and its potential as an environmentally friendly energy carrier. The catalyst for the methanol synthesis has been a key area of research in order to optimize the reaction process. In the literature, the nature of the active site and the effects of the promoter and support have been extensively investigated. In this updated review, the recent progresses in the catalyst innovation, optimization of the reaction conditions, reaction mechanism, and catalyst performance in methanol synthesis are comprehensively discussed. Key issues of catalyst improvement are highlighted, and areas of priority in R&D are identified in the conclusions.

Modelling, nitrogen dynamics in sugarcane systems: Recent advances and applications

Substantial amounts of nitrogen (N) fertiliser are necessary for commercial sugarcane production because of the large biomass produced by sugarcane crops. Since this fertiliser is a substantial input cost and has implications if N is lost to the environment, there are pressing needs to optimise the supply of N to the crops' requirements. The complexity of the N cycle and the strong influence of climate, through its moderation of N transformation processes in the soil and its impact on N uptake by crops, make simulation-based approaches to this N management problem attractive. In this paper we describe the processes to be captured in modelling soil and plant N dynamics in sugarcane systems, and review the capability for modelling these processes. We then illustrate insights gained into improved management of N through simulation-based studies for the issues of crop residue management, irrigation management and greenhouse gas emissions. We conclude by identifying processes not currently represented in the models used for simulating N cycling in sugarcane production systems, and illustrate ways in which these can be partially overcome in the short term. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recent advances in alcohol-induced adduct formation

This article presents the proceedings of a symposium presented at the ISBRA 12th World Congress on Biomedical Alcohol Research, held in Heidelberg/Mannheim, Germany, September 29 through October 2, 2004. The organizers of the symposium were Simon Worrall and Victor Preedy, and the symposium was chaired by Onni Niemelä and Geoffrey Thiele. The presentations scheduled for this symposium were (1) Adduct chemistry and mechanisms of adduct formation, by Thomas L. Freeman; (2) Malondialdehyde- acetaldehyde adducts: the 2004 update, by Geoffrey Thiele; (3) Adduct formation in the liver, by Simon Worrall; (4) Protein adducts in alcoholic cardiomyopathy, by Onni Niemelä; and (5) Alcoholic skeletal muscle myopathy: a role for protein adducts, by Victor R. Preedy.

Recent advances in the molecular biology of Leifsonia xyli subsp xyli, causal organism of ratoon stunting disease

Twelve years ago our understanding of ratoon stunting disease (RSD) was confined almost exclusively to diagnosis of the disease and control via farm hygiene, with little understanding of the biology of the interaction between the causal agent (Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli) and the host plant sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids). Since then, research has focused on developing the molecular tools to dissect L. xyli subsp. xyli, so that better control strategies can be developed to prevent losses from RSD. Within this review, we give a brief overview of the progression in research on L. xyli subsp. xyli and highlight future challenges. After a brief historical background on RSD, we discuss the development of molecular tools such as transformation and transposon mutagenesis and discuss the apparent lack of genetic diversity within the L. xyli subsp. xyli world population. We go on to discuss the sequencing of the genome of L. xyli subsp. xyli, describe the key findings and suggest some future research based on known deficiencies that will capitalise on this tremendous knowledge base to which we now have access.

Recent advances in understanding the eutectic solidification in Al-Si foundry alloys

The formation of the Al-Si eutectic is generally the final stage of the solidification process of Al-Si foundry alloys. This means that it can be expected to have a significant impact on the feeding of a casting, and consequently the formation of casting defects, in particular porosity. Understanding and controlling the eutectic solidification process are therefore very important. This paper reviews the recent advances and unique techniques used in improving our understanding of both eutectic nucleation and growth. The role of different modifiers in controlling the eutectic solidification mechanisms is presented and the relationship between eutectic solidification mechanisms and porosity formation is outlined. This new approach to aluminium foundry alloy metallurgy is likely to form the basis for further optimisation of alloy performance and master alloys for the future.