Evolving factor analysis-based method for correcting monitoring delay in different batch runs for use with PLS: On-line monitoring of a transesterification reaction by ATR-FTIR.

In this work, the base-catalyzed transesterification of soybean oil with ethanol was monitored on-line using mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) and the yield of fatty acid ethyl esters (biodiesel) was obtained by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The MIRS monitoring carried out for 12min, was performed using a cylindrical internal reflectance cell of PbSe in the range of 3707-814cm(-1) with eight co-added scans. Two different data treatment strategies were used: in the first, the models were built using the raw data and in the other, evolving factor analysis (EFA) was used to overcome the sensor time delay due to the on-line analysis, producing significantly better results.

Transesterification of soybean oil catalyzed by sulfated zirconia.

Two sulfated zirconias were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. They were used as catalysts in the alcoholysis of soybean oil and in the esterification of oleic acid. Using sulfated zirconia prepared by the solvent-free method (S-ZrO(2)) as catalyst, the alcoholysis conversions of soybean oil under optimized conditions (120 degrees C, 1h and 5wt% of catalyst) were 98.

Hydrogenolysis of lignins: influence of the pretreatment using microwave and ultrasound irradiations.

Hydrolytic eucalyptus lignin was converted to oils by hydrogenolysis. The lignin was obtained by acid hydrolysis of eucalyptus chips from two semi-industrial sources in Brazil: FTI and Coalbra. Hydrogenolysis was performed in an 1-L reactor using lignin/water ratio 1/4 (w/v), pH 9 (adjusted with NaOH), 0.

Accelerated radiotherapy with concomitant ACNU/Ara-C for the treatment of malignant glioma.

Purpose: To evaluate activity and toxicity of simultaneous ACNU and Ara-C with concurrent accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy in the treatment of high-grade glioma.

Patients And Methods: Thirty patients aged 23-71 years (median 47.5), 16 patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and 14 patients with grade-III glioma, received 93 courses of ACNU/Ara-C (median 4 courses) at following dose levels (ACNU/Ara-C in mg/m2/day): 70/90 (11 courses), 75/100 (36 courses) and 90/120 (46 courses).

Supratentorial low-grade glioma: results and prognostic factors following postoperative radiotherapy.

Background And Purpose: To assess treatment outcome and prognostic factors following postoperative external radiotherapy in 77 patients with low-grade glioma.

Patients And Methods: Between 1977 and 1996, 45 patients with astrocytoma, 14 with oligodendroglioma and 18 with mixed glioma received postoperative radiotherapy with a median total dose of 52 Gy (range, 45 to 61 Gy). Sixty-seven patients were treated immediately following surgery, 10 patients with tumor progression.