Microbial transformation of cadina-4,10(15)-dien-3-one, aromadendr-1(10)-en-9-one and methyl ursolate by Mucor plumbeus ATCC 4740

The sesquiterpenes cadina-4,10(15)-dien-3-one (1) and aromadendr-1(10)-en-9-one (squamulosone) (14) along with the triterpenoid methyl ursolate (21) were incubated with the fungus Mucor plumbeus ATCC 4740. Substrates 1, 14 and ursolic acid (20) were isolated from the plant Hyptis verticillata in large quantities. M. plumbeus hydroxylated 1 at C-12 and C-14. When the iron content of the medium was reduced, however, hydroxylation at these positions was also accompanied by epoxidation of the exocyclic double bond. In total nine new oxygenated cadinanes have been obtained. Sesquiterpene 14 was converted to the novel 2α,13-dihydroxy derivative along with four other metabolites. Methyl ursolate (21) was transformed to a new compound, methyl 3β,7β,21β-trihydroxyursa-9(11),12-dien-28-oate (22). Two other triterpenoids, 3β,28-dihydroxyurs-12-ene (uvaol) (23) and 3β,28-bis(dimethylcarbamoxy)urs-12-ene (24) were not transformed by the micro-organism, however. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Malignant transformation of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: Case report

We report a case of a pleomorphic xantoastrocytoma which manifested itself as a cystic isodense lesion in the right fronto-temporal lobe in a 26 year-old woman. It appeared as a soft yellow tumor with cystic cavities on surgery. Five months after this surgery, the patient was submitted to a new operation, which revealed a friable tumor, easily differentiated from the normal parenchyma, with cystic components. The histopathological examination demonstrated pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma with malignant transformation. Histologically, the tumor at first procedure was composed of pleomorphic astrocytes with multinucleated and foamy cells. A rare case of malignant transformation in pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is presented, discussed and illustrated in this paper.

Eigenvalue analyses of two parallel lines using a single real transformation matrix

For a typical non-symmetrical system with two parallel three phase transmission lines, modal transformation is applied using some examples of single real transformation matrices. These examples are applied searching an adequate single real transformation matrix to two parallel three phase transmission line systems. The analyses are started with the eigenvector and eigenvalue studies, using Clarke's transformation or linear combinations of Clarke's elements. The Z C and parameters are analyzed for the case that presents the smallest errors between the exact eigenvalues and the single real transformation matrix application results. The single real transformation determined for this case is based on Clarke's matrix and its main characteristic is the use of a unique homopolar reference. So, the homopolar mode becomes a connector mode between the two three-phase circuits of the analyzed system. ©2005 IEEE.

Non-transposed three-phase line analyses with a single real transformation matrix

In transmission line transient analyses, a single real transformation matrix can obtain exact modes when the analyzed line is transposed. For non-transposed lines, the results are not exact. In this paper, non-symmetrical and non transposed three-phase line samples are analyzed with a single real transformation matrix application (Clarke's matrix). Some interesting characteristics of this matrix application are: single, real, frequency independent, line parameter independent, identical for voltage and current determination. With Clarke's matrix use, mathematical simplifications are obtained and the developed model can be applied directly in programs based on time domain. This model works without convolution procedures to deal with phase-mode transformation. In EMTP programs, Clarke's matrix can be represented by ideal transformers and the frequency dependent line parameters can be represented by modified-circuits. With these representations, the electrical values at any line point can be accessed for phase domain or mode domain using the Clarke matrix or its inverse matrix. For symmetrical and non-transposed lines, the model originates quite small errors. In addition, the application of the proposed model to the non-symmetrical and non-transposed three phase transmission lines is investigated. ©2005 IEEE.

Modal representation of three-phase lines applying two transformation matrices: Evaluation of its eigenvectors

The objective of this paper is to show an alternative representation in time domain of a non-transposed three-phase transmission line decomposed in its exact modes by using two transformation matrices. The first matrix is Clarke's matrix that is real, frequency independent, easily represented in computational transient programs (EMTP) and separates the line into Quasi-modes α, β and zero. After that, Quasi-modes a and zero are decomposed into their exact modes by using a modal transformation matrix whose elements can be synthesized in time domain through standard curve-fitting techniques. The main advantage of this alternative representation is to reduce the processing time because a frequency dependent modal transformation matrix of a three-phase line has nine elements to be represented in time domain while a modal transformation matrix of a two-phase line has only four elements. This paper shows modal decomposition process and eigenvectors of a non-transposed three-phase line with a vertical symmetry plane whose nominal voltage is 440 kV and line length is 500 km. ©2006 IEEE.

Correction procedure applied to a single real transformation matrix -Untransposed three-phase transmission line cases

Clarke's matrix has been used as an eigenvector matrix for transposed three-phase transmission lines and it can be applied as a phase-mode transformation matrix for transposed cases. Considering untransposed three-phase transmission lines, Clarke's matrix is not an exact eigenvector matrix. In this case, the errors related to the diagonal elements of the Z and Y matrices can be considered negligible, if these diagonal elements are compared to the exact elements in domain mode. The mentioned comparisons are performed based on the error and frequency scan analyses. From these analyses and considering untransposed asymmetrical three-phase transmission lines, a correction procedure is determined searching for better results from the Clarke's matrix use as a phase-mode transformation matrix. Using the Clarke's matrix, the relative errors of the eigenvalue matrix elements can be considered negligible and the relative values of the off-diagonal elements are significant. Applying the corrected transformation matrices, the relative values of the off-diagonal elements are decreased. The comparisons among the results of these analyses show that the homopolar mode is more sensitive to the frequency influence than the two other modes related to three-phase lines. © 2006 IEEE.

An alternative procedure to decrease the dimension of the frequency dependent modal transformation matrices: Application in three-phase transmission lines with a vertical symmetry plane

The objective of this paper is to show an alternative representation in time domain of a non-transposed three-phase transmission line decomposed in its exact modes by using two transformation matrices. The first matrix is Clarke's matrix that is real, frequency independent, easily represented in computational transient programs (EMTP) and separates the line into Quasi-modes α, β and zero. After that, Quasi-modes α and zero are decomposed into their exact modes by using a modal transformation matrix whose elements can be synthesized in time domain through standard curve-fitting techniques. The main advantage of this alternative representation is to reduce the processing time because a frequency dependent modal transformation matrix of a three-phase line has nine elements to be represented in time domain while a modal transformation matrix of a two-phase line has only four elements. This paper shows modal decomposition process and eigenvectors of a non-transposed three-phase line with a vertical symmetry plane whose nominal voltage is 440 kV and line length is 500 km. © 2006 IEEE.

Modal transformation obtained from Clarke's matrix - Asymmetrical three-phase case

Some constant matrices can be used as phase-mode transformation matrices for transposed three-phase transmission lines. Clarke's matrix is one of these options. Its application as a phase-mode transformation matrix for untransposed three-phase transmission lines has been analyzed through error and frequency scan comparisons. Based on an actual untransposed asymmetrical three-phase transmission line example, a correction procedure is applied searching for better results from the Clarke's matrix applicaton as a phase-mode transformation matrix. The error analyses are carried out using Clarke's matrix and the new transformation matrices obtained from the correction procedure. Applying Clarke's matrix, the relative errors of the eigenvalue matrix elements can be considered negligible and the relative values of the off-diagonal elements are significant. If the the corrected transformation matrices are used, the relative values of the off-diagonal elements are decreased. Based on the results of these analyses, the homopolar mode is more sensitive to the frequency influence than the two other modes related to three-phase lines. © 2007 IEEE.

Representation of transmission lines in modal domain using analytical transformation matrices

The phases of a transmission line are tightly coupled due to mutual impedances and admittances of the line. One way to accomplish the calculations of currents and voltages in multi-phase lines consists in representing them in modal domain, where its n coupled phases are represented by their n propagation modes. The separation line in their modes of propagation is through the use of a modal transformation matrix whose columns are eigenvectors associated with the parameters of the line. Usually, this matrix is achieved through numerical methods which does not allow the achievement of an analytical model for line developed directly in the phases domain. This work will show the modal transformation matrix of a hypothetical two-phase obtained with numerical and analytical procedures. It will be shown currents and voltage s at terminals of the line taking into account the use of modal transformation matrices obtained by using numerical and analytical procedures. © 2011 IEEE.

Technological transition and the new skills required by the agribusiness sector

Adoption of new technologies throughout the agribusiness chain is necessary to meet the higher food and fuel needs of a growing and wealthier population. However, modern technologies require the development of new skills and changes in working patterns and relationships at all levels of the organization. Companies that invest in technology without investing in human capital development will not reach their full potential. © 2012 International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA).

ProGriD: The transformation package for the adoption of SIRGAS2000 in Brazil

Brazil adopted SIRGAS2000 in 2005. This adoption called for the provision of the relationships between SIRGAS2000 and the previous reference frames used for positioning, mapping and GIS, namely, the Córrego Alegre (CA) and the South American Datum of 1969 (SAD 69). Two programs were designed for this purpose. The first one, TCGeo, provided the relationships based on three-translation Similarity Transformation parameters. TCGeo was replaced in December 2008, by ProGriD. ProGriD offers, besides the same similarity transformation as TCGeo, a set of transformations based on modelling the distortions of the networks used in the various realizations of CA and SAD 69. The distortion models are represented by a grid in which each node contains a transformation value in terms of difference in latitude and in longitude. The grid follows the same specifications of the NTv2 grid, which has been used in other countries, such as Canada, USA and Australia. This paper presents ProGriD and its main functionalities and capabilities. ©Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.

Effect of air-particle abrasion protocols on the biaxial flexural strength, surface characteristics and phase transformation of zirconia after cyclic loading

This study evaluated the effect of air-particle abrasion protocols on the biaxial flexural strength, surface characteristics and phase transformation of zirconia after cyclic loading. Disc-shaped zirconia specimens (Ø: 15mm, thickness: 1.2mm) (N=32) were submitted to one of the air-particle abrasion protocols (n=8 per group): (a) 50μm Al2O3 particles, (b) 110μm Al2O3 particles coated with silica (Rocatec Plus), (c) 30μm Al2O3 particles coated with silica (CoJet Sand) for 20s at 2.8bar pressure. Control group received no air-abrasion. All specimens were initially cyclic loaded (×20,000, 50N, 1Hz) in water at 37°C and then subjected to biaxial flexural strength testing where the conditioned surface was under tension. Zirconia surfaces were characterized and roughness was measured with 3D surface profilometer. Phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic was determined by Raman spectroscopy. The relative amount of transformed monoclinic zirconia (FM) and transformed zone depth (TZD) were measured using XRD. The data (MPa) were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey's tests and Weibull modulus (m) were calculated for each group (95% CI). The biaxial flexural strength (MPa) of CoJet treated group (1266.3±158A) was not significantly different than that of Rocatec Plus group (1179±216.4A,B) but was significantly higher than the other groups (Control: 942.3±74.6C; 50μm Al2O3: 915.2±185.7B,C). Weibull modulus was higher for control (m=13.79) than those of other groups (m=4.95, m=5.64, m=9.13 for group a, b and c, respectively). Surface roughness (Ra) was the highest with 50μm Al2O3 (0.261μm) than those of other groups (0.15-0.195μm). After all air-abrasion protocols, FM increased (15.02%-19.25%) compared to control group (11.12%). TZD also showed increase after air-abrasion protocols (0.83-1.07μm) compared to control group (0.59μm). Air-abrasion protocols increased the roughness and monoclinic phase but in turn abrasion with 30μm Al2O3 particles coated with silica has increased the biaxial flexural strength of the tested zirconia. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

The Lorentz transformation on the light front, is it possible?

Lorentz transformations are key to relativistic particles. In this work, we construct the Lorentz transformations in the coordinates of the light front, and we will derive from them the well-known time dilation and space contraction in these coordinates, with surprising novel factors. © 2013 American Institute of Physics.

XAS/WAXS time-resolved phase speciation of chlorine LDH thermal transformation: Emerging roles of isovalent metal substitution

The XAS/WAXS time-resolved method was applied for unraveling the complex mechanisms arising from the evolution of several metastable intermediates during the degradation of chlorine layered double hydroxide (LDH) upon heating to 450 °C, i.e., Zn2Al(OH)6·nH2O, ZnCuAl(OH)6·nH2O, Zn2Al 0.75Fe0.25(OH)6·nH2O, and ZnCuAl0.5Fe0.5(OH)6·nH2O. After a contraction of the interlamellar distance, attributed to the loss of intracrystalline water molecules, this distance experiences an expansion (T > 175-225 °C) before the breakdown of the lamellar framework around 275-295 °C. Amorphous prenucleus clusters with crystallo-chemical local order of zinc-based oxide and zinc-based spinel phases, and if any of copper-based oxide, are formed at T > 175-225 °C well before the loss of stacking of LDH layers. This distance expansion has been ascribed to the migration of Zn II from octahedral layers to tetrahedral sites in the interlayer space, nucleating the nano-ZnO or nano-ZnM2O4 (M = Al or Fe) amorphous prenuclei. The transformation of these nano-ZnO clusters toward ZnO crystallites proceeds through an agglomeration process occurring before the complete loss of layer stacking for Zn2Al(OH)6· nH2O and Zn2Al0.75Fe0.25(OH) 6·nH2O. For ZnCuAl(OH)6·nH 2O and ZnCuAl0.5Fe0.5(OH)6· nH2O, a cooperative effect between the formation of nano-CuO and nano-ZnAl2O4 amorphous clusters facilitates the topochemical transformation of LDH to spinel due to the contribution of octahedral CuII vacancy to ZnII diffusion. © 2013 American Chemical Society.

Integration practices for the technological innovation of products: Case studies at two large technological companies

Studies on innovation and technology management have emphasized the importance of integration between the research and development (R&D) department and others involved with the product development process (PDP) as a relevant practice for the good performance of technological innovation of product activities. This study addresses the topic of transfers of technologies to new product projects and also integration practices between the R&D department and others involved with the PDP. A qualitative study was conducted that was operationalized through two case studies at large high-tech companies: One is Brazilian and the other is a multinational subsidiary in Brazil. Among its main result, this paper represents and analyzes management practices that are favorable to integration in product development projects that demand development and transfer of technologies, such as: participation of R&D personnel in market activities, the adoption of virtual interaction mechanisms, and the application of methods such as technology roadmaps. © Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Facultad de Economía y Negocios.