bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling gas displacement kinetics in coal with Maxwell‐Stefan diffusion theory
Authors: Wei X. R. , Wang G. X. , Massarotto P. , Rudolph V. , Golding S. D. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe kinetics of binary gas counter‐diffusion and Darcy flow in a large coal sample were modeled, and the results compared with data from experimental laboratory investigations. The study aimed for a better understanding of the CO2‐sequestration enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) recovery process. The transport model used was based on the bidisperse diffusion mechanism and Maxwell‐Stefan (MS) diffusion theory. This provides an alternative approach to simulate multicomponent gas diffusion and flow in bulk coals. A series of high‐stress core flush tests were performed on a large coal sample sourced from a Bowen Basin coal mine in Queensland, Australia to investigate the kinetics of one gas displacing another. These experimental results were used to derive gas diffusivities, and to examine the predictive capability of the diffusion model. The simulations show good agreements with the displacement experiments, revealing that MS diffusion theory is superior for describing diffusion of mixed gases in coals compared with the constant Fick diffusivity model. The optimized effective micropore and macropore diffusivities are comparable with experimental measurements achieved by other researchers. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
A consequence based approach to the quantitative assessment of inherent safety
Authors: Tugnoli Alessandro , Cozzani Valerio , Landucci Gabriele 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe availability of inherent safety drivers for early process design is a critical issue for the further development of the chemical and process industry. In this study, a consequence‐based method for the inherent safety assessment of process alternatives was developed. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for inherent safety were defined and a procedure for their quantitative assessment was developed. A specific equipment classification and the related failure modes were identified, in order to define the potential accidental scenarios associated to each process unit. Rules for the calculation, by physical model runs, of the damage distances for conventional effects were also defined. Credit factors to account for the safety score of the different equipment classes were introduced. KPIs were defined by the combination of the expected damage distances and of credit factors. The methodology was demonstrated through a case study, and provided useful results both for the identification of safety critical units, and for the assessment of the inherent safety of alternative processes. The comparison of the results with those obtained from other literature methods for inherent safety assessment showed that the KPIs introduced allowed considering the hazards coming from auxiliary equipment, that are often overlooked in conventional inherent safety assessment methods. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Curbing the greenhouse effect by carbon dioxide adsorption with Zeolite 13X
Authors: Konduru Naveen , Lindner Peter , Assaf‐Anid Nada Marie 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial emissions has become essential in the fight against climate change. In this study, we employed Zeolite 13X for the capture and recovery of CO2 in a flow through system where the adsorbent was subjected to five adsorption‐desorption cycles. The influent stream contained 1.5% CO2 at standard conditions. The adsorbent bed was 1 in. in length and 1 in. 3/8 in dia., and was packed with 10 g of the zeolite. Temperature swing adsorption (TSA) was employed as the regeneration method through heating to approximately 135 °C with helium as the purge gas. The adsorbent capacity at 90% saturation was found to decrease from 78 to 60gCO2/kgZeolite13X after the fifth cycle. The CO2 capture ratio or the mass of CO2 adsorbed to the total mass that entered the system decreased from 63% to only 61% after the fifth cycle. The CO2 recovery efficiency ranged from 82 to 93% during desorption, and the CO2 relative recovery, i.e., CO2 desorbed for the nth cycle to CO2 adsorbed for the first cycle, ranged from 88 to 68%. The service life of the adsorbent was determined to be equal to eleven cycles at a useful capacity of 40gCO2/kgZeolite13X. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Freeze drying with dielectric‐material‐assisted microwave heating
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Guohua 
Published: October 2007

AbstractExperimental and theoretical investigations were conducted with regard to the effects of a dielectric material on freeze drying with microwave heating. The experimental results show that the dielectric material can effectively enhance the microwave freeze drying process, and substantial drying time can be saved compared with conventional freeze drying under the operating conditions tested. Theoretical study was performed by numerically solving a heat and mass transfer model of freeze drying with hygroscopic effect using the finite difference method with a moving boundary. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of using the dielectric material in microwave freeze drying, especially when the solid content of the solution to be freeze dried is very low or the solid product has a very small loss factor. Comparisons of the drying curves display good agreements between experimental measurements and model predictions. Based on the profiles of the ice saturation and temperature, mechanisms of heat and mass transfer inside the material were analyzed, and the drying rate‐controlling factor was discussed. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Process scheduling under uncertainty using multiparametric programming
Authors: Li Zukui , Ierapetritou Marianthi G. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn this article, the problem of process scheduling under uncertainty was studied using multiparametric programming method. Based on the uncertainty type (prices, demands, and processing times), the scheduling formulation results in different parametric problems including multiparametric mixed integer linear (mpMILP), quadratic (mpMIQP), and general nonlinear programming (mpMINLP) problem. This article analyzes the solution characteristics and proposes a novel solution framework for specific mpMILP/mpMIQP problems addressing a wide variety of scheduling problems under different types of uncertainty, which are modeled as coefficient in objective function, as coefficient of integer variable and right hand side vector of the constraints. The main idea of the proposed framework is to decompose the problem into a series of smaller subproblems, each of them producing the parametric information around a given parameter value. The parametric solution of every subproblem is retrieved by solving a series of multiparametric linear programming (mpLP) and mixed integer linear/nonlinear programming problems (MILP/MINLP). Several examples were solved to analyze the complexity and the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Toward the development of rational therapies in multiple sclerosis: what is on the horizon?
Authors: Hemmer Bernhard , Hartung Hans‐Peter 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAlthough the cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) has remained obscure, many findings support an autoimmune pathogenesis on the background of a complex interaction between multiple genes and environmental factors. Accordingly, targeting the immune system has been a rational approach for the treatment of MS. The development of disease‐modifying immunomodulatory drugs with partial efficacy, coupled with advances in understanding the pathophysiology and pathology of MS, has provided momentum to explore more specific and hopefully more effective immune‐based therapeutic strategies. With increased knowledge and appreciation of the contribution of neurodegenerative processes to disease pathology, the therapeutic challenges, however, have become even more formidable. Future treatments will likely need both to target inflammation and to focus on promotion of neuroprotection and repair. In this review, we discuss the most promising therapeutic approaches for MS currently in the pipeline. Ann Neurol 2007
Metal‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Allylation in Asymmetric Synthesis
Authors: Lu Zhan , Ma Shengming 
Published: October 2007

AbstractMetal‐catalyzed enantioselective allylation, which involves the substitution of allylic metal intermediates with a diverse range of different nucleophiles or SN2′‐type allylic substitution, leads to the formation of CH, C, O, N, S, and other bonds with very high levels of asymmetric induction. The reaction may tolerate a broad range of functional groups and has been applied successfully to the synthesis of many natural products and new chiral compounds.
Preparation of an organomontmorillonite master batch and its application to high‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone‐rubber systems
Authors: Wang Jincheng , Chen Yuehui 
Published: October 2007

AbstractN,N‐Di(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐N‐dodecyl‐N‐methyl ammonium chloride was used as an intercalation agent to treat Na+‐montmorillonite and form a novel type of organic montmorillonite (OMMT). An OMMT master batch (OMMT‐MB) was prepared by solution intercalation and was used in the preparation of high‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone rubber (HTV‐SR)/OMMT‐MB nanocomposites. The properties, such as the tensile and thermal stability, were researched and compared with those of composites directly incorporated with OMMT or aerosilica. A combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy studies showed that HTV‐SR/OMMT‐MB composites were on the nanometer scale, and their structure was somewhat hindered by the presence of OMMT. The results showed that the tensile properties of HTV‐SR/OMMT‐MB and HTV‐SR/OMMT systems were better than those of pure HTV‐SR. Compared with those of HTV‐SR/OMMT‐20%, the tensile strength and elongation at break of HTV‐SR/OMMT‐MB‐20% were improved about 1.5 and 0.9 times, respectively. This was probably due to the nanoeffect of the exfoliated silicate layers. Moreover, the tensile strength of HTV‐SR/OMMT‐MB‐20% was nearly equal to that of HTV‐SR/aerosilica‐20%, and the elongation at break even showed much improvement. Additionally, the thermal degradation center temperature of the HTV‐SR/OMMT‐MB‐20% nanocomposite was increased by 30°C compared with that of the HTV‐SR/OMMT‐20% composite. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Comparative proteomic characterization of articular cartilage tissue from normal donors and patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Wu Jiang , Liu Wei , Bemis Amanda , Wang Eunice , Qiu Yongchang , Morris Elisabeth A. , Flannery Carl R. , Yang Zhiyong 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo identify potential molecular mediators and biomarkers for osteoarthritis (OA), through comparative proteomic analysis of articular cartilage tissue obtained from normal donors without OA (n = 7) and patients with OA (n = 7).MethodsThe proteomic analyses comprised extraction of soluble proteins from cartilage, separation of the protein mixtures by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by in‐gel digestion, and subsequent nano‐liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis in conjunction with a database search for protein identification and semiquantitation.ResultsA total of 814 distinct proteins were identified with high confidence from 14 samples; 420 of these proteins were detected with ≥3 unique peptides in at least 4 samples from the same group. Using stringent criteria, 59 proteins were found to be differentially expressed in OA cartilage. Gene Ontology and Ingenuity pathway analysis tools were used to characterize these proteins into functional categories. One of the up‐regulated proteins, HtrA1, a serine protease, was detected at high levels in cartilage.ConclusionAltered protein expression in the disease state is associated with many aspects of the pathogenesis of OA, such as increased proteolysis, lipid metabolism, immune response, and decreased signal transduction. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a large portion of these proteins and their expression patterns were identified in cartilage, thus providing new insights for finding novel pathologic mediators and biomarkers of OA.
Protease‐activated receptor 2 mediates the proinflammatory effects of synovial mast cells
Authors: Palmer H. S. , Kelso E. B. , Lockhart J. C. , Sommerhoff C. P. , Plevin R. , Goh F. G. , Ferrell W. R. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveMast cells are hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by mechanisms requiring elucidation. Tryptase released from these cells can activate protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR‐2), which was recently shown to have proinflammatory actions. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between synovial mast cells and PAR‐2. Mast cell proximity to PAR‐2–expressing cells was investigated in RA synovium. In murine studies, we assessed the capacity of mast cell tryptase to mediate synovial proinflammatory responses via PAR‐2 and whether degranulating mast cells induced synovial hyperemia by PAR‐2 activation.MethodsRA synovial tissue was examined by immunohistochemistry. PAR‐2+/+and PAR‐2−/−C57BL/6J mice were used to investigate the PAR‐2 dependence of compound 48/80–induced synovial hyperemia, as measured by laser Doppler imaging, and joint swelling and hyperemic responses to recombinant human β‐tryptase.ResultsMast cells and synovial lining cells staining for PAR‐2 were colocalized in RA articular tissue. Compound 48/80 administration resulted in vasodilatation in PAR‐2+/+mice but not in PAR‐2−/−mice, which showed a vasoconstrictor response. Eliminating the 5‐hydroxytryptamine–mediated component of this response with methysergide unveiled an enhanced PAR‐2–mediated vasodilatation to compound 48/80 in PAR‐2+/+mice and ablated the vasoconstrictor response in PAR‐2−/−mice. Treatment with β‐tryptase resulted in dose‐dependent knee joint swelling and synovial vasodilatation in PAR‐2+/+mice but not PAR‐2−/−mice.ConclusionThis in vivo study is the first to explore the relationship between synovial mast cells and PAR‐2. Our results support the hypothesis that mast cells contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis through PAR‐2 activation via release of mast cell tryptase.
Soft tissue, joint, and bone manifestations of AL amyloidosis: Clinical presentation, molecular features, and survival
Authors: Prokaeva Tatiana , Spencer Brian , Kaut Maurya , Ozonoff Al , Doros Gheorghe , Connors Lawreen H. , Skinner Martha , Seldin David C. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize symptoms and signs of AL amyloidosis that may bring patients to the attention of rheumatologists, evaluate Ig VL gene usage in this subgroup of patients, and assess the impact of soft tissue and bone involvement and VL gene usage on survival.MethodsClinical features of soft tissue and bone involvement were assessed in 191 patients with AL amyloidosis. VL gene sequencing was carried out to determine light‐chain family, rate of somatic mutation, and evidence of antigen selection. The association of soft tissue and bone involvement with VL gene usage was assessed by logistic regression analysis, and survival time was analyzed using log rank tests and Cox regression models.ResultsSoft tissue and bone involvement occurred in 42.9% of the patients, and 9.4% had dominant soft tissue and bone involvement. The most common manifestations were submandibular gland enlargement, macroglossia, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Dominant soft tissue and bone involvement was significantly associated with VLκI gene usage. Mutation rate and evidence of antigen selection in the VL genes were not found to be confounding factors, providing evidence against a contribution of autoimmunity in this type of AL amyloidosis. Survival time was initially longer in patients with dominant soft tissue and bone involvement than in patients with other dominant organ involvement; however, this difference diminished over time.ConclusionAmyloid infiltration into soft tissue, joints, periarticular structures, and bones can bring patients with AL amyloidosis to the attention of rheumatologists. Recognition of the presenting symptoms is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, since the long‐term outlook for untreated patients with dominant soft tissue and bone involvement is not better than that for patients with other dominant features of AL amyloidosis.
Morphologic changes in the vastus medialis muscle in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Fink Bernd , Egl Monika , Singer Joachim , Fuerst Martin , Bubenheim Michael , Neuen‐Jacob Eva 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the frequency of structural changes in the vastus medialis muscle in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.MethodsSpecimens of vastus medialis muscle from 78 patients with end‐stage OA of the knee undergoing total joint arthroplasty were examined histopathologically. Morphologic changes were assessed in relation to clinical features that might have contributed to muscle injury.ResultsAll muscle specimens exhibited atrophy of type 2 fibers. In 32% of the patients, atrophy of type 1 fibers was also noted. Fiber type grouping of type 1 fiber in 15% of the patients and type 2 fiber in 37%, indicating reinnervation, led to the diagnosis of neurogenic muscular atrophy in 32% of the patients; selective atrophy of type 2 fiber in 68% of the specimens was interpreted as possibly resulting from pain‐associated disuse. Signs of muscle degeneration and regeneration were found in 65% and 96% of the samples, respectively. Soft tissue changes indicating long‐term disease, such as calcification, fibrosis, and lipomatosis, were frequently observed (in 69%, 71%, and 94% of the patients, respectively). Statistical analysis of clinical and morphologic parameters revealed a significant association between degenerative muscle changes and the presence of a varus deviation of the leg axis.ConclusionPatients with OA of the knee frequently exhibit muscle changes, with probable multifactorial etiology. Selective atrophy of type 2 fibers might reflect pain‐related immobilization of a limb. Changes such as neurogenic muscular atrophy, muscle fiber degeneration, and regeneration might contribute as cofactors in the development or progression of OA.
Prevention of vascular damage in scleroderma and autoimmune Raynaud's phenomenon: A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor quinapril
Authors: Gliddon A. E. , Doré C. J. , Black C. M. , McHugh N. , Moots R. , Denton C. P. , Herrick A. , Barnes T. , Camilleri J. , Chakravarty K. , Emery P. , Griffiths B. , Hopkinson N. D. , Hickling P. , Lanyon P. , Laversuch C. , Lawson T. , Mallya R. , Nisar M. , Rhys‐Dillon C. , Sheeran T. , Maddison P. J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of prolonged administration of quinapril, a long‐acting angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, in the management of the peripheral vascular manifestations of limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) and in the prevention of the progression of visceral organ involvement in the disease.MethodsThis was a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study evaluating quinapril 80 mg/day, or the maximum tolerated dosage, in 210 patients with lcSSc or with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and the presence of SSc‐specific antinuclear antibodies. Treatment was for 2–3 years. The primary outcome measure was the number of new ischemic ulcers appearing on the hands; secondary measures were the frequency and severity of RP attacks, skin score, treatments for ischemia, health status (measured by the Short Form 36 instrument), measures of kidney and lung function, and echocardiographic estimates of pulmonary artery pressure. An intent‐to‐treat analysis was used.ResultsQuinapril did not affect the occurrence of digital ulcers or the frequency or severity of RP episodes. It did not alter the treatments that were prescribed for either infected ulcers or severe RP symptoms. There was no apparent effect on the estimated tricuspid gradient. Health status was not affected by quinapril, and one‐half of the patients who believed they had benefited from the trial treatment were in the placebo arm. Quinapril was not tolerated by one‐fifth of the patients, with dry cough being the most frequent side effect.ConclusionAdministration of quinapril for up to 3 years had no demonstrable effects on the occurrence of upper limb digital ulcers or on other vascular manifestations of lcSSc in this patient population.
NOD2 gene–associated pediatric granulomatous arthritis: Clinical diversity, novel and recurrent mutations, and evidence of clinical improvement with interleukin‐1 blockade in a Spanish cohort
Authors: Aróstegui Juan I. , Arnal Cristina , Merino Rosa , Modesto Consuelo , Antonia Carballo María , Moreno Purificación , García‐Consuegra Julia , Naranjo Antonio , Ramos Eduardo , de Paz Pilar , Rius Josefa , Plaza Susana , Yagüe Jordi 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveBlau syndrome and early‐onset sarcoidosis are NOD2 gene–associated chronic autoinflammatory diseases characterized by skin rash, arthritis, and/or eye involvement, with noncaseating granulomata as their pathologic hallmark. This study was undertaken to describe the expanded clinical phenotype, treatment outcomes, and NOD2 gene mutation analysis in a Spanish cohort with pediatric granulomatous arthritis, a chronic disease resembling Blau syndrome/early‐onset sarcoidosis.MethodsClinical, laboratory, and treatment data on the 12 patients in the cohort were obtained through direct interviews. NOD2 gene analysis was performed in a central laboratory, by bidirectional sequencing. Cytokine levels were measured using the human Flex‐Set cytokine bead array.ResultsThe classic Blau syndrome/early‐onset sarcoidosis triad of skin rash, arthritis, and recurrent uveitis was identified in 5 patients (41.7%), whereas 7 patients (58.3%) presented with fewer than 3 of the classic features. Novel atypical manifestations such as persistent fever and myocardiopathy were also observed. NOD2 analysis revealed 1 heterozygous mutation in each patient, and familial studies confirmed its full penetrance. Of the 12 cases, 58.3% were sporadic, due to de novo mutations. Four different missense mutations on exon 4 were detected. Two of them (R334W and R334Q) were recurrent mutations and were found in 77.8% of the Spanish families, whereas the other 2 (C495Y and R587C) were novel. In the patient who received anakinra treatment, all clinical inflammatory symptoms improved and plasma cytokine levels normalized.ConclusionThese findings indicate that the expanding clinical heterogeneity of the disease (that is, the presentation of incomplete forms of the classic triad and atypical manifestations) and the high prevalence of sporadic cases should alert clinicians to the possible genetic basis of the condition and support the inclusion of DNA analysis as a diagnostic test. The positive response to anakinra observed in 1 patient suggests a new potential therapeutic approach that merits further investigation, and suggests that the pathogenesis of pediatric granulomatous arthritis may involve interleukin‐1–mediated events.