Abstract  A Methanosarcina species, designated strain ChGul, was isolated from goat feces; this is the first fully described pure culture of Methanosarcina obtained from feces. Antigenic fingerprinting suggests that isolate ChGul is a new immunotype. The mol% G + C content of DNA was 42.2%. Strain ChGul grew on methanol, methylamines, and acetate in a minimal salts medium. It grew on H sub(2)-CO sub(2) only after adaptation. Growth occurred as a milky-white suspension and contained cells mostly in doublets and quadruplets of irregular cocci; many cells contained phase bright spots typical of gas vacuoles. The isolate did not grow on formate, or CO sub(2) plus isopropanol, ethanol, or acetone as substrates and did not produce methane from formate. The optimum growth temperature was 35-37 degree C, and optimum pH was 6.2-6.8. ChGul is unusually sensitive to sulfide and has low tolerance for NaCl. Optimal levels of total sulfide and NaCl for growth were 0.5 mM and 20-40 mM, respectively.

Abstract  The reaction of nitrous acid with hydrogen peroxide leads to nitric acid as the only stable product. In the course of this reaction, peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH) and, in the presence of CO(2), a peroxynitrite-CO(2) adduct (ONOOCO(2)(-)) are intermediately formed. Both intermediates decompose to yield highly oxidizing radicals, which subsequently react with excess hydrogen peroxide to yield peroxynitric acid (O(2)NOOH) as a further intermediate. During these reactions, (15)N chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (CIDNP) effects are observed, the analysis of the pH dependency of which allows the elucidation of mechanistic details. The formation and decay of peroxynitric acid via free radicals NO(2)(*) and HOO(*) is demonstrated by the appearance of (15)N CIDNP leading to emission (E) in the (15)N NMR signal of O(2)NOOH during its formation and to enhanced absorption (A) during its decay reaction. Additionally, the (15)N NMR signal of the nitrate ion (NO(3)(-)) appears in emission at pH approximately 4.5. These observations are explained by proposing the intermediate formation of short-lived radical anions O(2)NOOH(*)(-) probably generated by electron transfer between peroxynitric acid and peroxynitrate anion, followed by decomposition of O(2)NOOH(*)(-) into NO(3)(-) and HO(*) and NO(2)(-) and HOO(*) radicals, respectively. The feasibility of such reactions is supported by quantum-chemical calculations at the CBS-Q level of theory including PCM solvation model corrections for aqueous solution. The release of free HO(*) radicals during decomposition of O(2)NOOH is supported by (13)C and (1)H NMR product studies of the reaction of preformed peroxynitric acid with [(13)C(2)]DMSO (to yield the typical "HO(*) products" methanesulfonic acid, methanol, and nitromethane) and by ESR spectroscopic detection of the HO(*) and CH(3)(*) radical adducts to the spin trap compound POBN in the absence and presence of isotopically labeled DMSO, respectively.

Abstract  Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. * Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. * Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.htm. Mail correspondence to the Registration Division (RD) (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.

Abstract  Fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) is majorly formed by precursor gases, such as sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) and nitrogen oxides (NO(x)), which are emitted largely from intense industrial operations and transportation activities. PM(2.5) has been shown to affect respiratory health in humans. Evaluation of source regions and assessment of emission source contributions in the Gulf Coast region of the USA will be useful for the development of PM(2.5) regulatory and mitigation strategies. In the present study, the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model driven by the Weather Research & Forecasting (WRF) model is used to identify the emission source locations and transportation trends. Meteorological observations as well as PM(2.5) sulfate and nitric acid concentrations were collected at two sites during the Mississippi Coastal Atmospheric Dispersion Study, a summer 2009 field experiment along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Meteorological fields during the campaign were simulated using WRF with three nested domains of 36, 12, and 4 km horizontal resolutions and 43 vertical levels and validated with North American Mesoscale Analysis. The HYSPLIT model was integrated with meteorological fields derived from the WRF model to identify the source locations using backward trajectory analysis. The backward trajectories for a 24-h period were plotted at 1-h intervals starting from two observation locations to identify probable sources. The back trajectories distinctly indicated the sources to be in the direction between south and west, thus to have origin from local Mississippi, neighboring Louisiana state, and Gulf of Mexico. Out of the eight power plants located within the radius of 300 km of the two monitoring sites examined as sources, only Watson, Cajun, and Morrow power plants fall in the path of the derived back trajectories. Forward dispersions patterns computed using HYSPLIT were plotted from each of these source locations using the hourly mean emission concentrations as computed from past annual emission strength data to assess extent of their contribution. An assessment of the relative contributions from the eight sources reveal that only Cajun and Morrow power plants contribute to the observations at the Wiggins Airport to a certain extent while none of the eight power plants contribute to the observations at Harrison Central High School. As these observations represent a moderate event with daily average values of 5-8 μg m(-3) for sulfate and 1-3 μg m(-3) for HNO(3) with differences between the two spatially varied sites, the local sources may also be significant contributors for the observed values of PM(2.5).

Abstract  In photocatalytic solar water splitting systems, non-noble and highly active cocatalysts have always been pursued with tremendous interest. Herein an active and cheap photocatalyst, using Cu and graphene synergetically as co-catalysts immobilized on TiO2, was studied. This synergetic photocatalyst displayed enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water splitting in the presence of methanol as a sacrificial reagent. The hydrogen generation efficiency from the Cu-graphene synergetic cocatalyst was about 5 times higher than that of a pure graphene cocatalyst, and can be compared with that of systems containing the well-known Pt cocatalyst. Therefore this Cu-graphene synergetic cocatalyst provides an inexpensive means of harnessing solar energy to achieve efficient hydrogen evolution from water splitting.

Abstract  Nesprins-1/-2/-3/-4 are nuclear envelope proteins, which connect nuclei to the cytoskeleton. The largest nesprin-1/-2 isoforms (termed giant) tether F-actin through their N-terminal actin binding domain (ABD). Nesprin-3, however, lacks an ABD and associates instead to plectin, which binds intermediate filaments. Nesprins are integrated into the outer nuclear membrane via their C-terminal KASH-domain. Here, we show that nesprin-1/-2 ABDs physically and functionally interact with nesprin-3. Thus, both ends of nesprin-1/-2 giant are integrated at the nuclear surface: via the C-terminal KASH-domain and the N-terminal ABD-nesprin-3 association. Interestingly, nesprin-2 ABD or KASH-domain overexpression leads to increased nuclear areas. Conversely, nesprin-2 mini (contains the ABD and KASH-domain but lacks the massive nesprin-2 giant rod segment) expression yields smaller nuclei. Nuclear shrinkage is further enhanced upon nesprin-3 co-expression or microfilament depolymerization. Our findings suggest that multivariate intermolecular nesprin interactions with the cytoskeleton form a lattice-like filamentous network covering the outer nuclear membrane, which determines nuclear size.

Abstract  Antioxidants have a large potential to coevolve with life-histories because of their capacity to counteract the negative effects of free radicals on fitness. However, only a few studies have explored the association between antioxidant levels and life-history strategies comparing a large number of species. Here we used an extensive dataset of 125 species of birds to investigate the association between concentrations of antioxidants (carotenoids and vitamin E) in the liver, which is the main storage organ for fat-soluble antioxidants, and life-history and morphology. We found that high liver antioxidant concentrations were associated with life-history strategies characterized by "live slow, die old", in clear contrast to previous studies reporting a relationship between high plasma antioxidants and life-histories characterized by "live fast, die young". Thus, high carotenoid concentrations were present in species with large body, brain and egg sizes, high absolute metabolic rate and a resident lifestyle, while high vitamin E concentrations were present in species with large brain size and long life span and incubation period. Our results indicate that antioxidants and life-histories coevolve, and that this may be mediated by positive fitness consequences of the accumulation of liver antioxidants, as species with higher antioxidant levels live longer.

Abstract  Polymer micelles with hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) core and ionic amphiphilic corona from charged N-ethyl-4-vinylpyridinium bromide (EVP) and uncharged 4- vinylpyridine (4VP) units spontaneously self-assembled from PS-block-poly(4VP-stat-EVP) macromolecules in mixed dimethylformamide/methanol/water solvent. The fraction of statistically distributed EVP units in corona-forming block is beta = [EVP]/([EVP]+[4VP]) = 0.3-1. Micelles were transferred into water via dialysis technique, and pH was adjusted to 9, where 4VP is insoluble. Structural characteristics of micelles were investigated both experimentally and theoretically as a function of corona composition beta. Methods of dynamic and static light scattering, electrophoretic mobility measurements, sedimentation velocity, transmission electron microscopy, and UV spectrophotometry were applied. All micelles possessed spherical morphology. The aggregation number, structure, and electrophoretic: mobility of micelles changed in a jumplike manner near beta similar to 0.6-0.75. Below and above this region, micelle characteristics were constant or insignificantly changed upon beta. Theoretical dependencies for micelle aggregation number, corona dimensions, and fraction of small counterions outside corona versus beta were derived via minimization the micelle free energy, taking into account surface, volume, electrostatic, and elastic contributions of chain units and translational entropy of mobile counterions. Theoretical estimations also point onto a sharp structural transition at a certain corona composition. The abrupt reorganization of micelle structure at beta similar to 0.6-0.75 entails dramatic changes in micelle dispersion stability in the presence of NaCl or in the presence of oppositely charged polymeric (sodium polymethacrylate) or amphiphilic (sodium dodecyl sulfate) complexing agents.

Abstract  As a provider of our energy requirements, hydrogen seems to be one of most promising fuels, in particular when used to feed PEM fuel cells. When produced from a renewable source, it has got the potential to reduce the dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels and lower the amount of harmful emissions. Ethanol steam-reforming (ESR) reaction is an interesting option to obtain a H2- and CH4-rich stream with a low content of CO, combining the deep knowledge of the technology with the advantage of the biomass-derived feedstock. Thermodynamic analysis has indicated that the most interesting operating range to enhance the H2 production and minimize CO and coke formation requires low pressure, high temperature, and high water-to-ethanol molar ratio. On the other hand, despite its endothermic nature, ESR could be carried out at low temperature, to increase overall thermal efficiency, even if at these conditions the catalyst's deactivation, due to coking and sintering phenomena, is not negligible. The main objective of this study is to investigate on the activity, stability, and durability of bimetallic Pt-Ni and Pt-Co catalysts supported on CeO2 for low-temperature bio-ESR reaction. The catalysts have been prepared through different methods and with an optimized metal's content. They have also been characterized with various physico-chemical characterization tests, and the catalytic studies have been carried out in a lab-scale apparatus. While evaluating the effects on the catalysts' performances of preparation method, reaction temperature, space time, and water-to-ethanol molar ratio, the selected catalysts were found effective for the production of H2 by steam reforming at low temperature. In particular, the Pt/Ni/CeO2 catalyst shows a perfect agreement with equilibrium calculations yet at low contact times, although some carbon deposition occurs. Also the cobalt-based catalysts appear attractive. The relative rates of carbon growth versus gasification have been studied, and ascending water contents were used to study the effect of steam addition in the feed stream. An in-depth investigation of the reaction mechanism and the evaluation of the kinetic parameters will be crucial to complete the study of the proposed process.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Abstract  The current study aims to determine the antimutagenic potential of five newly synthesized cyclic compounds against the genotoxic agents sodium azide (NaN3) and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). The mutant bacterial tester strains were NaN3-sensitive Salmonella typhimurium TA1535 and MNNG-sensitive Escherichia coli WP2uvrA. According to the results, all the test compounds showed significant antimutagenic activity. The inhibition rates ranged from 26.05% (Compound 4--1 μg/plate) to 68.54% (Compound 5--0.01 μg/plate) for NaN3 and from 32.44% (Compound 3--1 μg/plate) to 60.77% (Compound 5--1 μg/plate) for MNNG genotoxicity. Moreover, the mutagenic potential of the test compounds was investigated using the same strains. The results showed that all the test compounds do not have mutagenic potential on the bacterial strains at the tested concentrations. Thus, the findings of the present study give valuable information about chemical prevention from NaN3 and MNNG genotoxicity. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT] The current study aims to determine the antimutagenic potential of five newly synthesized cyclic compounds against the genotoxic agents sodium azide (NaN) and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). The mutant bacterial tester strains were NaN-sensitive Salmonella typhimurium TA1535 and MNNG-sensitive Escherichia coli WP2uvrA. According to the results, all the test compounds showed significant antimutagenic activity. The inhibition rates ranged from 26.05% (Compound 4-1 μg/plate) to 68.54% (Compound 5-0.01 μg/plate) for NaN and from 32.44% (Compound 3-1 μg/plate) to 60.77% (Compound 5-1 μg/plate) for MNNG genotoxicity. Moreover, the mutagenic potential of the test compounds was investigated using the same strains. The results showed that all the test compounds do not have mutagenic potential on the bacterial strains at the tested concentrations. Thus, the findings of the present study give valuable information about chemical prevention from NaN and MNNG genotoxicity.

Abstract  Precise three-dimensional (3D) mapping of a large number of gene expression patterns, neuronal types and connections to an anatomical reference helps us to understand the vertebrate brain and its development. We developed the Virtual Brain Explorer (ViBE-Z), a software that automatically maps gene expression data with cellular resolution to a 3D standard larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain. ViBE-Z enhances the data quality through fusion and attenuation correction of multiple confocal microscope stacks per specimen and uses a fluorescent stain of cell nuclei for image registration. It automatically detects 14 predefined anatomical landmarks for aligning new data with the reference brain. ViBE-Z performs colocalization analysis in expression databases for anatomical domains or subdomains defined by any specific pattern; here we demonstrate its utility for mapping neurons of the dopaminergic system. The ViBE-Z database, atlas and software are provided via a web interface.

Abstract  Ukrainian petrochemicals output performed consistently well throughout much of 2011 with primary plastic output up 25% y-o-y to 550,500 tonnes, according to BMI's latest Ukraine Petrochemicals Report. Production was up on pre-crisis levels, despite the lacklustre performance of the domestic market. Ukraine's chemical and petrochemicals industry was one of the leading sectors throughout the year with 14.4% growth overall. Output growth has been stimulated by both domestic demand and exports to Russia. As such, a weakening global growth picture bodes ill for Ukraine's export-dependent economy, and a faltering domestic demand picture underpins our lower growth expectations for 2012. A weak external scenario has large implications for Ukraine's economy, which is heavily geared towards the export sector on which petrochemicals depends, with exports of goods and services accounting for close to 50% of GDP. The country's export basket features low diversification being heavily geared towards the basic products. A slowdown in exports will weigh on chemicals and petrochemicals production. Seemingly endless gas pricing disputes with Russia colour the Ukraine's energy landscape, putting pressure on the country to maximise domestic production and diversify supply. In Q112, Lukoil announced plans to invest more than EUR45mn in 2012 to expand Karpatneftekhim, its Ukrainian subsidiary and the country's largest producer of petrochemical products. Most of the funds are to be allocated towards the launch of PVC production for window profiles, as well as modernisation of production facilities of the plant. In addition, Karpatneftekhim also plans to start the design of facilities for the production of emulsion PVC with a capacity of about 30,000tpa. The investment is an increase from the EUR25mn spent in 2011, a significant part of which was allocated in the launch of PVC production with a capacity of 300,000tpa. In 2011, the Ukrainian PVC market amounted to 125,000 tonnes in volume terms, the majority of which accounted was supplied through imports, mostly from the US and the EU countries. Ukraine remains in 8th place in BMI's Central and Eastern Europe Petrochemicals Business Environment matrix, although its score has risen by 1.3 points to 40.9 points. This puts Ukraine 1.6 points ahead of Bulgaria and 4.2 points behind Romania. The score had been strengthened in recent months due to progress on a 300,000tpa PVC plant in Kalush, an improvement in market risk ratings due to a deal with Russia over cut-price gas supplies and the election of a new Moscow-oriented government that provides some stability in the operating environment for the petrochemicals industry and trade relations with its largest market, Russia. The score has improved as a result of a rise in its long-term financial markets outlook related to the support of IMF credit, although Ukraine still faces a struggle keeping to the terms of the loans.

Abstract  The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using essential oils of Thymus vulgaris as an alternative preservative for chromed leather. The differences between the chemical composition of commercial and pure essential oils of thyme were determined. It was observed that these differences have an influence on the antibacterial activity of essential oils. Gram-positive bacteria were found to be more sensitive to the essential oils of thyme than Gram-negative bacteria. The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa had a low sensitivity to the action of the selected essential oils of thyme, but the leather samples treated with the essential oils of thyme remained resistant to the action of these bacteria. As the main result of this study, it was concluded that the essential oil of thyme could be used as a preservation agent in the leather tanning industry. The leather preserved with 2- (thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole had weaker protection after four weeks compared to the samples treated with the essential oil of thyme when the amount of the used essential oil was not less than 3% of the wet-blue mass. The essential oil of thyme was the more active component in the mixture of essential oil and synthetic biocide used for the preservation of leather.

Abstract  Kuwait's petrochemical industry is vulnerable to its exposure to the Asian market, particularly China which is its main customer, its narrow product range and dependence on naphtha could lead to an erosion of margins in 2012 as export markets hit a soft patch. While China's capacities are growing fast, BMI believes the Chinese market will slow down in 2012 as inflation rises and the government is forced to introduce more restrictive policies to dampen demand. Coupled with growth in output, measures to prevent over-heating will lead to a decline in imports and the potential for over-capacity in some segments. BMI's concern remains that Kuwait's naphtha-fed petrochemicals industry will be at a competitive disadvantage compared to the ethane-fed producers elsewhere in the region. In line with regional peers, most progress has been concentrated on olefins, intermediates and basic polymers rather than downstream plastics and chemicals industries. Kuwait will be competing for markets in Asia, particularly China, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia that are relying on ethane as feedstock, which in recent history has been priced far lower than naphtha that follows oil price trends. Kuwait's competitive disadvantage as the spread between ethane and naphtha grows could undermine the case for a third olefins plant, although by sourcing naphtha from domestic resources the country still has an edge over most Asian producers. However, if the plant were to rely on the country's untapped gas resources, either in an ethane-fed or mixed feed cracker, it may become a more attractive proposition. Moreover, after the debacle with the merger with Dow and uncertainties over feedstock availability, BMI does not believe the project will be completed before 2015, if it is completed at all. In 2011, Kuwait had ethylene capacity of 1.7mn tonnes per annum (tpa) feeding downstream units that included 825,000tpa LLDPE. It also has 370,000tpa of benzene, 822,000tpa of xylenes, 1mn tpa of EG, 765,000tpa of EO and 160,000tpa of PP capacity. In the fertiliser sector, Kuwait has capacities of 1.04mn tpa urea and 885,000tpa ammonia. Olefins and polyolefins capacities are unlikely to increase before 2016, with the main expansion projects completed in 2009. If realised, the 615,000 barrels per day (b/d) al-Zour refinery project would be the largest refinery in Kuwait and, potentially, the Middle East. Its output would be used to fuel local power demand and also boost exports of refined products as well as providing a naphtha stream for downstream industries. Certainly, new capacity could support another world-scale cracker. There are no plans for major additions to Kuwait's olefins capacity until 2016, with the planned Olefins III project at 1.4mn tpa of ethylene production capacity. Downstream plants would include EG, PE and PP, although capacities will depend on the feed mix. Given the near-constant political gridlock in Kuwait, the realisation of these refinery and petrochemicals projects is likely to be slow. As such, a third complex is still an aspiration rather than a firm plan and we have not included it in our forecasts. Kuwait Petrochemicals Report Q1 2012 © Business Monitor International Ltd Page 6 BMI has revised down Kuwait's petrochemicals rating by 0.6 points to 57.4 points this quarter due to deterioration in its Country Risk scores. It retains fourth place, 4.6 points behind the UAE and 0.9 points ahead of Iran. Kuwait's score declined over 2010 due to uncertainty over the future of the al-Zour refinery, which has attracted considerable controversy over its tendering process. The resumption of the al-Zour refinery project and other upstream projects helped improve the country's score in 2011. However, Kuwait's score has also under pressure in recent months due to deterioration in country risk caused by the economic downturn.

Abstract  Nanocrystalline diamond composite films were fabricated on the WC-Co substrates using a bias-enhanced hot filament CVD system. Methanol solution pretreatment method for removing the Co in surface of WC-Co substrates was put forward. The composite structure was achieved by regulating the concentration of Ar in a mixture of acetone and a hydrogen gases in different stages. The surface morphologies, nucleation density, diamond films and composition of the nanocrystalline diamond composite films were observed with different techniques. The results showed that the introduction of Ar increased the second nucleation of diamond grains which made the diamond grains finer. Nanocrystallie diamond film can be successfully grown on the microcrystalline diamond films. The two-layer structure has the advantages of good adhesive strength and low surface roughness. Because of nano effects, the hardness of composite films decreases. This is prone to be polished and reduces the work load significantly. It is of great importance for the wide application of diamond films in the precision machining fields.

Abstract  Five new transition metal-amino acid coordination polymers, including two copper compounds 1D-{Cu(D-alpha-PhGly)(2)} (1), 1D-{Cu(L-Trp)(2)} (2) and three cadmium compounds 2D-{Cd(D-Leu)(2)} (3) 2D-{Cd(D-Phe)(2)} (4) and 2D-{[Cd(D-Phe)(4,4'-bipy)H2O] [NO3]} (5) are structurally characterized (PhGly = phenylglycinato, Trp = tryptophanato, Leu = leucinato, Phe = phenylalaninato in enantiopure form, 4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine). Single crystals were obtained by slow diffusion of the metal salt and the ligand in a water-methanol mixture. The enantiopure amino acetate ligands led to homochiral crystallization of 1-5 in the non-centrosymmetric space group P2(1). Characterization by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy showed that the copper compounds 1 and 2 form twofold helices around the 2(1) screw axis and the cadmium compounds 3-5 yield two-dimensional coordinative layers also with twofold helices around the 2(1) axes for 3 and 4. The Cu-amino- acetate/carboxlyate helices are connected by N-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds and very long Cu center dot center dot center dot O-carboxylate contacts to supramolecular 2D layers. Crystal packings of 2D layer structures in 1-4 show a separation of the hydrophobic alkyl groups from the hydrophilic M-aminocarboxylate region. Charge-assisted Cu(+)center dot center dot center dot(-)O interactions and N-H center dot center dot center dot O(-) hydrogen- bonding interactions in the hydrophilic region are the driving force of ""hydrophobic exterior layer"" formation with a hydrophilic interior exposing the hydrophobic alkyl groups to the exterior. Stacking of the layers occurs through weak van der Waals interactions between the alkyl groups. This correlates with the crystal morphology, with formation of thin crystal plates along the stacking direction. In 5 the Cd-mu-amino carboxylate-kappa N,O:O' units with a pentagonal- bipyramidal Cd atom form strands, and these strands are then joined through the rigid 4,4'-bipy linkers to a coordinative 2D layer. The nitrate anions connect these layers with charge-assisted (aqua)O-H center dot center dot center dot O(-)(nitrate) and (amino)N-H center dot center dot center dot O(-)(nitrate) hydrogen bonds to a supramolecular 3D network. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  The use of biodiesel as an alternative fuel has become more attractive recently because of its environmental benefits such as nontoxicity and biodegradability. However, due to the unfavorable economics and other problems for design and operation of large scale reactors, commercialization of biodiesel has not been significantly effective. The specific challenges in the synthesis route based on transesterification include higher separation times, high operating cost, high energy consumption, and low production efficiency due to equilibrium limitations. The present work highlights the potential use of Waste cooking oil as a cheap and economical feedstock discussing the advantages of the process and limitations for transesterification reaction. Improvements in the synthesis process based on the different pretreatment methods and process intensifying techniques are discussed with specific reference to transesterification of waste cooking oil. Different physical and chemical pretreatment methods required for the preparation of feedstock include filtration, drying, acidic esterification, adsorption, crystallization, and distillation for the removal of fatty acids and other contaminants. The critical review also highlights the different process intensification techniques such as cavitational reactors, microwave irradiation, microchannel reactor, oscillatory flow reactor, use of cosolvent, and supercritical transesterification process that can be used for biodiesel production process with an objective of enhancing the reaction rate, reduction in the molar ratio of alcohol to oil, and energy input by intensifying the transport processes and overcoming the equilibrium limitations. Guidelines for the selection of optimum operating parameters have also been given with comparative analysis of the different approaches of process intensification. Finally, some recommendations have been made for the possible research that needs to be done for successful commercialization of biodiesel synthesis.

Abstract  Disc diffusion (DD), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)and minimal bactericidal concentration (mac) assays were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of 21 consecutive extracts of different aerial parts of Etlingera brevilabrum against 18 microorganisms that included six Gram-positive [(+)], ten Gram-negative [(-)] bacteria and two fungi. Among the plant parts, the stolon extracts showed numerous activity than the other parts in which they inhibited Grant-positive of Staphylococcus aureus (ethyl acetate extract: diameter of inhibition zone 12.2 +/- 0.3 mm, MIC 3.12 mg/mL, MBC 6.25 mg/mL), methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (ethyl acetate extract: 12.1 +/- 10.2 mm, 12.5 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL), S. epidermidis (ethanol extract: 11.4 +/- 0.5 mm, 3.12 mg/mL, 3.12 mg/mL), Bacillus thuringiensis (acetone extract: 13.3 +/- 0.5 mm, 12.5 mg/mL, 25 mglmL) and one Gram-negative of Vibrio paraehaemolyticus (water extract: 14.3 +/- 0.4 mm, 1.56 mg/mL, 6.25 mg/mL). The highest activity in mic was shown by the methanol-water (1:1) and water extracts on Gram-negative Aeromonas hydrophila (1.56 mg/mL: leaf water extract) and V. paraehaemolyticus (1.56 mg/mL: methanol-water and water extracts of stolons and leaves and stem water extract).

Abstract  A simple and selective HPLC-DAD method was developed for the simultaneous determination of nifuroxazide and drotaverine hydrochloride in their combined pharmaceutical formulation. Effective chromatographic separation was achieved using a Zorbax SB-C18 (4.6 x 250 mm, 5 mm) column with gradient elution of the mobile phase composed of 0.05 M phosphoric acid and methanol. The multiple wavelength detector was set at 245, 285, and 370 nm. The retention times for nifuroxazide and drotaverine were approximately 7.5 and 10.4 min, respectively. The reliability and analytical performance of the proposed HPLC procedure were statistically validated with respect to linearity, ranges, precision, accuracy, selectivity, robustness, detection, and quantification limits. Calibration curves were linear in the range 1-40 mu g/mL for both nifuroxazide and drotaverine with correlation coefficients >0.9993. Both drugs were subjected to stress conditions of hydrolysis, oxidation, and photo-degradation. The proposed method proved to be stability-indicating by the resolution of the two analytes from the forced-degradation products. The validated HPLC method was applied to the analysis of this pharmaceutical mixture in capsules where the two analytes were successfully quantified with recoveries not less than 98.5%, and no interfering peaks were encountered from the inactive ingredients. Moreover, the proposed method was utilized to investigate the kinetics of the acidic and basic hydrolysis processes. The corresponding pseudo-first order rate constants and half-lives were calculated. Finally, the proposed method made use of DAD as a tool for peak identity and purity confirmation.

Abstract  The Spain petrochemicals report examines recent production trends and assesses the likelihood of recovery over the coming year at a time of heightened risk and low levels of consumer confidence. It also analyses whether Spain has the ability to compete against the growing number of integrated facilities in the Middle East and Asia, with its ageing units generally functioning at a far lower capacity than producers in these regions.

Abstract  Complex permittivity spectra e* = e'-je"" of binary mixtures of diethylene glycol monomethyl ether with aromatic compounds were obtained in the frequency range of 10 MHz to 20 GHz at different temperatures 288, 298, 308 and 318 K using the time domain reflectometry technique. Dielectric parameters viz. dielectric constant (e(0)), relaxation time (t) were obtained from complex permittivity spectra using nonlinear least squares fit method using these parameters excess permittivity (e(0)(E)), excess inverse relaxation time (1/t)(E), Bruggeman factor (f(B)), Kirkwood correlation factor (g(eff)) were determined. On the basis of above parameters, intermolecular interaction and dynamics of molecules at molecular level are predicated.

Abstract  Carbon supported RuSe (RuSe/C) catalyst in varying atomic ratios of Ru to Se, namely, 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 were prepared and their performances were compared with carbon supported Ru (Ru/C). Based on the performance, Palladium was incorporated into as prepared RuSe(2:1)/C and heat treated HTRuSe(2:1)/C. Ru/C, RuSe/C, and Pd-RuSe/C were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The XRD analyses of Ru/C, RuSe/C and Pd-HTRuSe/C show the formation of the hcp structure of Ru particles and the mean particle size was obtained from Ru(101) peak. The electrochemical characterizations of Ru/C, RuSe/C, Pd-HTRuSe(2:1)/C and Pd-RuSe(2:1)/C were conducted by cyclic voltammetry. Linear Sweep Voltammetric studies showed that incorporation of Pd in HTRu-Se(2:1)/C resulted in better catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction with resistance to methanol oxidation. The quantity of hydrogen peroxide produced was obtained from rotating ring disk electrode studies.

Abstract  BMI's Taiwan Petrochemicals Report examines the challenges facing the country's petrochemicals industry, which possesses ageing plants that are frequently prone to outages and where opposition against expansion has grown. BMI analyses the threat of potential market saturation in mainland China on industry growth over the medium-term.

Abstract  BMI's Belgium report examines the short-term trends in the Belgian petrochemicals market as the country struggles with the effects of the eurozone sovereign debt crisis. It also assesses the growth and investment strategies of leading players in the industry and how these will drive Belgium's competitiveness in the long-term.