Complete filling of zeolite frameworks with polyalkynes formed in situ by transition-metal ion catalysts

We report the use of transition-metal-exchanged zeolites as media for the catalytic formation and encapsulation of both polyethyne and polypropyne, and computer modeling studies on the composites so formed. Alkyne gas was absorbed into the pores of zeolite Y (Faujasite) exchanged with transition-metal cations [Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II)]. Ni(II) and Zn(II) were found to be the most efficient for the production of poly-ynes. These cations were also found to be effective in polymer generation when exchanged in zeolites mordenite and beta. The resulting powdered samples were characterized by FTIR, Raman, diffuse reflectance electronic spectroscopy, TEM, and elemental analysis, revealing, nearly complete loading of the zeolite channels for the majority of the samples. Based on the experimental carbon content, we have derived the percentage of channel filling, and the proportion of the channels containing a single polymer chain for mordenite. Experimentally, the channels for Y are close to complete filling for polyethyne (PE) and polypropyne (PP), and this is also true for polyethyne in mordenite. Computer modeling studies using Cerius2 show that the channels of mordenite can only accept a single polymer chain of PP, in which case these channels are also completely filled.

Halo-derivatised calix[4]tubes

Halo functionalisation of calix[4] tubes has been investigated through both derivatisation of individual calix[4]arenes and calix[4] tubes, using classical synthetic methods, to allow preparation of a series of novel derivatives. The solution and solid state properties are in accordance with the constituent calix[4] arenes adopting flattened cone arrangements which on complexation with potassium simplify to a regular cone. Electrospray and H-1 NMR studies, combined with molecular modelling have been used to ascertain the metal binding of this new series of cryptand like ionophores, demonstrating their retained selectivity for binding potassium over other Group 1 metals and the dependence on counter anion in the weak binding of silver.

Comparison of white metal and resin socket terminations for wire ropes

Previously the authors have presented both theoretical and experimental work discussing the operating mechanism of a wire rope held in a tapered socket by means of a cast resin cone. The work reported here extends the investigation to address the question of whether the same socket fabricated with white metal operates in the same manner. To date, previous investigations have compared the operational efficiency of resin and white metal in terms of both strength and/or fatigue endurance. Some other work has analysed the operation of resin sockets or specific cast metal terminations. This paper seeks to draw the results from this work together, and, in addition to a theoretical analysis, presents experimental data obtained from a direct comparison of the operation mechanism for the same sockets filled with resin or white metal. Results show that white metal terminations have a very different distribution of stresses along the length of the socket basket from resin terminations, and a smaller but still significant amount of socket draw. For both types of termination the socket draw develops high frictional gripping forces which can transfer the load from the rope to the socket. The different stress distributions mean that the consequences of termination fabrication defects may not be the same for resin and white metal terminations.

A singular integro-differential equation model for dryout in LMFBR boiler tubes

A 2D steady model for the annular two-phase flow of water and steam in the steam-generating boiler pipes of a liquid metal fast breeder reactor is proposed The model is based on thin-layer lubrication theory and thin aerofoil theory. The exchange of mass between the vapour core and the liquid film due to evaporation of the liquid film is accounted for using some simple thermodynamics models, and the resultant change of phase is modelled by proposing a suitable Stefan problem Appropriate boundary conditions for the now are discussed The resulting non-lineal singular integro-differential equation for the shape of the liquid film free surface is solved both asymptotically and numerically (using some regularization techniques) Predictions for the length to the dryout point from the entry of the annular regime are made The influence of both the traction tau provided by the fast-flowing vapour core on the liquid layer and the mass transfer parameter eta on the dryout length is investigated

Movements and mechanical stresses in gas-filled flat plate solar collectors

Sealed gas filled flat plate solar collectors will have stresses in the material since volume and pressure varies in the gas when the temperature changes. Several geometries were analyzed and it could be seen that it is possible reducing the stresses and improve the safety factor of the weakest point in the construction by using larger area and/or reducing the distance between glass and absorber and/or change width and height relationship so the tubes are getting longer. Further it could be shown that the safety factor won't always get improved with reinforcements. It is so because when an already strong part of the collector gets reinforced it will expose weaker parts for higher stresses. The finite element method was used for finding out the stresses.

Design of gas filled solar collectors

With a suitable gas filling used between cover glass and absorber in a flat plate solar collector, it is possible achieving better thermal performance at the same time as the distance betweenabsorber and glass can be reduced. Though, even if there is no vacuum inside the box, there will be potential risks for exhaustion due to stresses depending on the gas volume varies as the temperature varies. This study found out that it is possible build such a collector with less material in the absorber and the tubes and still getting better performance, without risks for exhaustion.

Gas-filled, flat plate solar collectors

This work treats the thermal and mechanical performances of gas-filled, flat plate solar collectors in order to achieve a better performance than that of air filled collectors. The gases examined are argon, krypton and xenon which all have lower thermal conductivity than air. The absorber is formed as a tray connected to the glass. The pressure of the gas inside is near to the ambient and since the gas volume will vary as the temperature changes, there are potential risks for fatigue in the material. One heat transfer model and one mechanical model were built. The mechanical model gave stresses and information on the movements. The factors of safety were calculated from the stresses, and the movements were used as input for the heat transfer model where the thermal performance was calculated. It is shown that gas-filled, flat plate solar collectors can be designed to achieve good thermal performance at a competitive cost. The best yield is achieved with a xenon gas filling together with a normal thick absorber, where normal thick means a 0.25 mm copper absorber. However, a great deal of energy is needed to produce the xenon gas, and if this aspect is taken into account, the krypton filling is better. Good thermal performance can also be achieved using less material; a collector with a 0.1 mm thick copper absorber and the third best gas, which is argon, still gives a better operating performance than a common, commercially produced, air filled collector with a 0.25 mm absorber. When manufacturing gas-filled flat plate solar collectors, one way of decreasing the total material costs significantly, is by changing absorber material from copper to aluminium. Best yield per monetary outlay is given by a thin (0.3 mm) alu-minium absorber with an argon filling. A high factor of safety is achieved with thin absorbers, large absorber areas, rectangular constructions with long tubes and short distances between glass and absorber. The latter will also give a thin layer of gas which gives good thermal performance. The only doubtii ful construction is an argon filled collector with a normal thick (> 0.50 mm) aluminium absorber. In general, an assessment of the stresses for the proposed construction together with appropriate tests are recommended before manufacturing, since it is hard to predict the factor of safety; if one part is reinforced, some other parts can experience more stress and the factor of safety actually drops.

Effectiveness and safety of endotracheal tube cuffs filled with air versus filled with alkalinized lidocaine: a randomized clinical trial

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Os tubos traqueais são dispositivos utilizados para manutenção da ventilação. A hiperinsuflação do balonete do tubo traqueal, causada pela difusão do óxido nitroso (N2O), pode determinar lesões traqueais, que se manifestam clinicamente como odinofagia, rouquidão e tosse. A lidocaína, quando injetada no balonete do tubo traqueal, difunde-se através de sua parede, determinando ação anestésica local na traquéia. O objetivo foi avaliar a efetividade e a segurança do balonete do tubo traqueal preenchido com ar comparado com o balonete preenchido com lidocaína, considerando os desfechos: sintomas cardiovasculatórios (HAS, taquicardia); odinofagia, tosse, rouquidão e tolerância ao tubo traqueal. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo clínico prospectivo, realizado no Departamento de Anestesiologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Unesp, campus de Botucatu. MÉTODOS: A pressão do balonete do tubo traqueal foi medida, entre 50 pacientes, antes, 30, 60, 90 e 120 minutos após o início da inalação de N2O anestésico. As pacientes foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: Air, em que o balonete foi inflado com ar para obtenção de pressão de 20 cm H2O, e Lido, em que o balonete foi preenchido com lidocaína a 2% mais bicarbonato de sódio a 8,4% para obtenção da mesma pressão. O desconforto antes da extubação, e manifestações clínicas como dor de garganta, rouquidão e tosse foram registrados no momento da alta da unidade de cuidados pós-anestésicos, e dor de garganta e rouquidão foram avaliadas também 24 horas após a anestesia. RESULTADOS: Os valores da pressão no balonete em G2 foram significativamente menores do que os de Air em todos os tempos de estudo, a partir de 30 minutos (p < 0,001). A proporção de pacientes que reagiu ao tubo traqueal no momento da desintubação foi significantemente menor em Lido (p < 0,005). A incidência de odinofagia foi significantemente menor em Lido no primeiro dia de pós-operatório (p < 0,05). A incidência de tosse e rouquidão não diferiu entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Durante ventilação artificial, empregando-se a mistura de oxigênio e N2O, a insuflação do balonete com lidocaína 2% alcalinizada impede que ocorra aumento significante da pressão no balonete e determina maior tolerância ao tubo traqueal e menor incidência de odinofagia no pós-operatório, podendo então ser considerada mais segura e com maior efetividade.

Single crowns versus conventional fillings for the restoration of root filled teeth

BackgroundEndodontic treatment, involves removal of the dental pulp and its replacement by a root canal filling. Restoration of root filled teeth can be challenging due to structural differences between vital and non-vital root filled teeth. Direct restoration involves placement of a restorative material e.g. amalgam or composite directly into the tooth. Indirect restorations consist of cast metal or ceramic (porcelain) crowns. The choice of restoration depends on the amount of remaining tooth which may influence long term survival and cost. The comparative in service clinical performance of crowns or conventional fillings used to restore root filled teeth is unclear.ObjectivesTo assess the effects of restoration of endodontically treated teeth (with or without post and core) by crowns versus conventional filling materials.Search methodsWe searched the following databases: the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE via OVID, EMBASE via OVID, CINAHL via EBSCO, LILACS via BIREME and the reference lists of articles as well as ongoing trials registries. There were no restrictions regarding language or date of publication. Date of last search was 13 February 2012.Selection criteriaRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-randomised controlled trials in participants with permanent teeth which have undergone endodontic treatment. Single full coverage crowns compared with any type of filling materials for direct restoration, as well as indirect partial restorations (e.g. inlays and onlays). Comparisons considered the type of post and core used (cast or prefabricated post), if any.Data collection and analysisTwo review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.Main resultsOne trial judged to be at high risk of bias due to missing outcome data, was included. 117 participants with a root filled premolar tooth restored with a carbon fibre post, were randomised to either a full coverage metal-ceramic crown or direct adhesive composite restoration. At 3 years there was no reported difference between the non-catastrophic failure rates in both groups. Decementation of the post and marginal gap formation occurred in a small number of teeth.Authors' conclusionsThere is insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of conventional fillings over crowns for the restoration of root filled teeth. Until more evidence becomes available clinicians should continue to base decisions on how to restore root filled teeth on their own clinical experience, whilst taking into consideration the individual circumstances and preferences of their patients.

A mathematical model for wave propagation in elastic tubes with inhomogeneities: Application to blood waves propagation

We study the propagation of waves in an elastic tube filled with an inviscid fluid. We consider the case of inhomogeneity whose mechanical and geometrical properties vary in space. We deduce a system of equations of the Boussinesq type as describing the wave propagation in the tube. Numerical simulations of these equations show that inhomogeneities prevent separation of right-going from left-going waves. Then reflected and transmitted coefficients are obtained in the case of localized constriction and localized rigidity. Next we focus on wavetrains incident on various types of anomalous regions. We show that the existence of anomalous regions modifies the wavetrain patterns. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Processing and properties of Ag/BSCCO PIT tapes containing different proportions of silver metal powder

Monofilamentary tapes (150 pm thickness) were prepared by swaging and rolling silver tubes containing the Bi:2212 ceramic (granulation below 20 mum) and the silver powder (about 0.8 mum). The study has been made, among other samples, on tapes with nominal proportions of 0, 10 and 20 wt.% of silver. The samples were characterized by SEM, and by electrical measurements under varying applied magnetic field. The measurements of J(c) showed that the addition of 10 wt.% silver powder is very beneficent to this property, doubling the obtained values at 60 K, while the 20 wt.% tape presented very low J(c). The tape with no silver content showed to have a J(c) as high as 2.2 x 10(5) A/cm(2), at 4.2 K, zero applied magnetic field. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reaction of rat connective tissue to implanted dentin tube filled with mineral trioxide aggregate, Portland cement or calcium hydroxide.

The subject of this study was to observe the rat subcutaneous connective tissue reaction to implanted dentin tubes filled with mineral trioxide aggregate, Portland cement or calcium hydroxide. The animals were sacrificed after 7 or 30 days and the undecalcified specimens were prepared for histological analysis with polarized light and Von Kossa technique for mineralized tissues. The results were similar for the studied materials. At the tube openings, there were Von Kossa-positive granules that were birefringent to polarized light. Next to these granulations, there was an irregular tissue like a bridge that was Von Kossa-positive. The dentin walls of the tubes exhibited in the tubules a structure highly birefringent to polarized light, usually like a layer and at different depths. The mechanism of action of the studied materials has some similarity.

Thermal tunability of photonic bandgaps in photonic crystal fibers selectively filled with nematic liquid crystal

We address the bandgap effect and the thermo-optical response of high-index liquid crystal (LC) infiltrated in photonic crystal fibers (PCF) and in hybrid photonic crystal fibers (HPCF). The PCF and HPCF consist of solid-core microstructured optical fibers with hexagonal lattice of air-holes or holes filled with LC. The HPCF is built from the PCF design by changing its cladding microstructure only in a horizontal central line by including large holes filled with high-index material. The HPCF supports propagating optical modes by two physical effects: the modified total internal reflection (mTIR) and the photonic bandgap (PBG). Nevertheless conventional PCF propagates light by the mTIR effect if holes are filled with low refractive index material or by the bandgap effect if the microstructure of holes is filled with high refractive-index material. The presence of a line of holes with high-index LC determines that low-loss optical propagation only occurs on the bandgap condition. The considered nematic liquid crystal E7 is an anisotropic uniaxial media with large thermo-optic coefficient; consequently temperature changes cause remarkable shifts in the transmission spectrums allowing thermal tunability of the bandgaps. Photonic bandgap guidance and thermally induced changes in the transmission spectrum were numerically investigated by using a computational program based on the beam propagation method. © 2010 SPIE.

Glass foam of macroporosity using glass waste and sodium hydroxide as the foaming agent

Glass foams using float glass waste and sodium hydroxide were produced. The influence of the sodium hydroxide amount in the foam formulation was studied. Titanium dioxide was used as a strengthening agent. The variations of temperature, heating rate and sintering time were investigated during the synthesis process. Open porosity was estimated using mercury porosimetry. The morphology of the glass foams was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, phase formation was studied using X-ray diffraction, and chemical composition was estimated using X-ray fluorescence. As a result, glass foams with macroporosity were obtained. Since the glass foams used glass waste as reactant, the results suggest the development of an alternative route for glass recycling. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.