Analysis of Optimal Process Flow Diagrams of Light Naphtha Isomerization Process by Mathematic Modelling Method

An approach to simulation of hydrocarbons refining processes catalytic reactors. The kinetic and thermodynamic research of light naphtha isomerization process was conducted. The kinetic parameters of hydrocarbon feedstock chemical conversion on different types of platinum-content catalysts was established. The estimation of efficiency of including different types of isomerization technologies in oil refinery flow diagram was performed

Opportunities and challenges in the use of coal fly ash for soil improvements – a review

Coal fly ash (CFA), a by-product of coal combustion has been regarded as a problematic solid waste, mainly due to its potentially toxic trace elements, PTEs (e.g. Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb) and organic compounds (e.g. PCBs, PAHs) content. However, CFA is a useful source of essential plant nutrients (e.g. Ca, Mg, K, P, S, B, Fe, Cu and Zn). Uncontrolled land disposal of CFA is likely to cause undesirable changes in soil conditions, including contamination with PTEs, PAHs and PCBs. Prudent CFA land application offers considerable opportunities, particularly for nutrient supplementation, pH correction and ameliorating soil physical conditions (soil compaction, water retention and drainage). Since CFA contains little or no N and organic carbon, and CFA-borne P is not readily plant available, a mixture of CFA and manure or sewage sludge (SS) is better suited than CFA alone. Additionally, land application of such a mixture can mitigate the mobility of SS-borne PTEs, which is known to increase following cessation of SS application. Research analysis further shows that application of alkaline CFA with or without other amendments can help remediate at least marginally metal contaminated soils by immobilisation of mobile metal forms. CFA land application with SS or other source of organic carbon, N and P can help effectively reclaim/restore mining-affected lands. Given the variability in the nature and composition of CFA (pH, macro- and micro-nutrients) and that of soil (pH, texture and fertility), the choice of CFA (acidic or alkaline and its application rate) needs to consider the properties and problems of the soil. CFA can also be used as a low cost sorbent for the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater streams; the disposal of spent CFA however can pose further challenges. Problems in CFA use as a soil amendment occur when it results in undesirable change in soil pH, imbalance in nutrient supply, boron toxicity in plants, excess supply of sulphate and PTEs. These problems, however, are usually associated with excess or inappropriate CFA applications. The levels of PAHs and PCBs in CFA are generally low; their effects on soil biota, uptake by plants and soil persistence, however, need to be assessed. In spite of this, co-application of CFA with manure or SS to land enhances its effectiveness in soil improvements

Maximizing the Potential of Plasma Amyloid-Beta as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease

Amyloid plaques are composed primarily of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides derived from proteolytic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP), and are considered to play a pivotal role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Presently, AD is diagnosed after the onset of clinical manifestations. With the arrival of novel therapeutic agents for treatment of AD, there is an urgent need for biomarkers to detect early stages of AD. Measurement of plasma Aβ has been suggested as an inexpensive and non-invasive tool to diagnose AD and to monitor Aβ modifying therapies. However, the majority of cross-sectional studies on plasma Aβlevels in humans have not shown differences between individuals with AD compared to controls. Similarly, cross-sectional studies of mouse plasma Aβ have yielded inconsistent trends in different mouse models. However, longitudinal studies appear to be more promising in humans. Recently, efforts to modify plasma Aβ levels using modulators have shown some promise. In this review, we will summarize the present data on plasma Aβ in humans and mouse models of AD. We will discuss the potential of modulators of Aβ levels in plasma including antibodies and insulin, and the challenges associated with measuring plasma Aβ. Modulators of plasma Aβ may provide an important tool to optimize plasma Aβ levels, and may improve the diagnostic potential of this approach

Method for testing the efficiency of samplers for microbiological aerosols

50.00; Translated from Swedish (FOA Rep. C 40225-B2, May 1986)Available from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:9022.381(HSE-Trans--12986)T / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

Amyloid precursor protein increases cortical neuron size in transgenic mice

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is the source of β-amyloid, a pivotal peptide in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study examines the possible effect of APP transgene expression on neuronal size by measuring the volumes of cortical neurons (μm(3)) in transgenic mouse models with familial AD Swedish mutation (APPswe), with or without mutated presenilin1 (PS1dE9), as well as in mice carrying wild-type APP (APPwt). Overexpression of APPswe and APPwt protein, but not of PS1dE9 alone, resulted in a greater percentage of medium-sized neurons and a proportionate decrease in the percentage of small-sized neurons. Our observations indicate that the overexpression of mutant (APPswe) or wild-type APP in transgenic mice is necessary and sufficient for hypertrophy of cortical neurons. This is highly suggestive of a neurotrophic effect and also raises the possibility that the lack of neuronal loss in transgenic mouse models of AD may be attributed to overexpression of APP