Synthesis of optically active 6-substituted 2-(aminomethyl)chromans

Three novel, optically active, 6-substituted 2-(aminomethyl)chromans were synthesized from readily available chroman 2-carboxylic acid precursors. These chroman-containing primary amines are useful building blocks for the synthesis of chroman-derived pharmaceutical agents.     

Disruption of DNA repair processes by carcinogenic metal compounds

Based on pronounced enhancing effects in combination with other DNA-damaging agents the potentials of Ni(II), Cd(II) and As(III) to interfere with DNA repair processes in HeLa cells was investigated. With respect to oxidative DNA damage, Ni(II) and Cd(II) induced DNA strand breaks starting at concentrations of 250 μM and 5 μM, respectively. The induction of oxidative DNA base modifications like 8-hydroxyguanine was restricted to the cytotoxic concentration of 750 μM Ni(II) and not observed after treatment with Cd(II). In contrast, the removal of oxidative DNA base modifications was inhibited at concentrations as low as 50 μM Ni(II) and 0.5 μM Cd(II). Regarding nucleotide excision repair, Ni(II) and Cd(II) disturbed the DNA-protein interactions involved in the damage recognition step when applying HeLa nuclear protein extracts and a UV-damaged oligonucleotide, while As(III) inhibited the actual incision event. In the case of Ni(II) and Cd(II), this effect was reversible by the addition of Mg(II) and Zn(II), respectively. Furthermore, Cd(II) inactivated the isolated bacterial Fpg protein, most likely by the displacement of Zn(II) from its zinc finger structure. Since DNA is continuously damaged by exogenous and endogenous sources, an impaired repair capacity might well account for the carcinogenic action of the metal compounds. Received: 30 July 1997 / Revised: 6 October 1997 / Accepted: 10 October 1997     

Attenuation of strain waves in core samples of three types of rock

Dynamic photoelasticity was employed to determine the velocity of longitudinal stress waves, dynamic modulus of elasticity and attenuation coefficients in rockcore samples 1 in. (25 mm) in diameter, 18 in. (0.46 m) long. Birefringent strips bonded to the core samples of Salem limestone, Charcoal granite and Berea sandstone provided all the data needed for the dynamic characterization of these rock types. The rods were dynamically loaded at one end with a lead-azide charge. A multiple-spark-gap camer was used to record the dynamic isochromatic-fringe patterns occurring in the birefringent strip. Of the three rock types investigated, the Berea sandstone exhibited the largest energy losses as characterized by an attenuation coefficient of 0.0910. Salem limestone and Charcoal granite exhibited much smaller losses with attenuation coefficients of 0.0196 and 0.0024, respectively. The extremely low-energy loss associated with Charcoal granite indicates that this material transmits stress waves as well as most metals.     

Highly radiating hydrogen flames: Effect of toluene concentration and phase

Adapting hydrogen as a carbon-free fuel for industrial applications requires new, innovative approaches, especially when radiant heat transfer is required. One possible option is to dope hydrogen with bio-oils, containing aromatics that help produce highly sooting flames. This study investigates the potential doping effects of toluene on a hydrogen-nitrogen (1:1 vol) flames. Flames with 1–5% toluene, based on the mole concentration of hydrogen, are measured using a combination of techniques including: still photographs and laser-based techniques. Toluene was mixed with hydrogen-nitrogen fuel mixture as either a vapour carried by nitrogen, or as a dilute spray. Spray flames are found to produce substantially more polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons, with significantly more soot near the nozzle exit plane, than the prevaporised flames. Increasing the dopant concentration from 1 to 3% of the hydrogen has a marked effect on soot loading in the flame, although the further increasing the dopant concentration to 5% has a far smaller effect on the soot produced in the flame. Simulations of laminar flames using detailed chemical kinetics support the above findings and reveal details of the competition between soot precursor formation and hydrocarbon oxidation. Correlations of formation rates are non-linear with toluene concentration in cases where toluene represents less than 10% of the fuel, although expected linear relationships are noted beyond this regime up to 1:1 toluene/hydrogen blends. The study provides insight and explanation into effects of toluene as a dopant, comparison between flame doping in gaseous or liquid phases and suggests that flame doping and blending should be treated as different regimes for their global effect on flame sooting characteristics.     

Numerical simulations of spalling tests in order to investigate material properties of UHPC

In order to evaluate the material composition of Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC), material properties such as dynamic tensile strength or fracture strength and also the fracture energy under impact loading are of significant importance. The use of a modified Hopkinson Bar enables the determination of the required data. On the basis of experimental investigations our contribution deals with the numerical finite element simulation of the Hopkinson Bar test. The propagation of stress waves is reproduced by means of a special time-integration scheme. We simulate the propagation of cracks by using adaptive cohesive elements including a corresponding separation law. The critical energy release rate (Griffith-energy) is calculated and compared to the values determined by experimental results. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

An introduction to dynamic photoelasticity

The general area of elastodynamics is divided into four more limited topics including, stress-wave propagation, vibration and impact, fracture propagation and quasi-static transients. The application of dynamic photoelasticity to each topic is discussed. Recording methods used in dynamic photoelasticity which are reviewed include the high-speed framing camera, the Cranz-Schardin system, Q-switched ruby lasers, and a stopaction strobe system. Advantages and disadvantages of each method of recording are covered. Analysis procedures used in interpreting the dynamic isochromatic-fringe patterns are described. Examples are illustrated where separation of the principal stresses is possible and a calibration method for determining the dynamic material-fringe valuef _σ ^* is reviewed. Finally, four applications of dynamic photoelasticity to problems arising in geophysics, fracture mechanics, flaw detection and mining are briefly reviewed to show the versatility of the dynamic photoelastic method are described.